York County School Division :: News

Poetry in Motion at GMS

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School students prepare props for poetry presentation in English class.

YCSD Teacher Honored

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Mrs. Niccole Reinhart of Queens Lake Middle School was recently awarded the MyLunchMoney Awesome Teacher of the Year Award! MyLunchMoney asked students and parents to submit a 150 word nomination sharing why their teacher is awesome! Parents and students submitted more than 50 nominations for Mrs. Reinhard, earning her the recognition. As the award winner, Mrs. Reinhart received a $300 prize and Queens Lake Middle School will receive a donation of $500.

Kindergarten Recycling Projects

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Val Stitt's kindergarten class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School worked with their parents to make an object by reusing and recycling items from their homes. The students had to present their projects and write about them in their journals.

GMS Thanks Boston Marathon Heroes!

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School students made letters and art for heroes in Boston to thank them for their commitment during the Boston Marathon bombing. Mrs. Layne's Sculpture & Crafts classes created illustrations and handwritten letters with a hero theme. Mrs. Knight's Keyboarding Basics classes made typographical art by filling a shape with descriptive "hero" words using the program Tagxedo. The letters were then sent to the Boston emergency workers including the police and fire departments.

Tabb Middle Competes in State TSA Competition

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Tabb Middle School's Technology Student Association (TSA) club competed in both leadership and technical events at the state finals held in Richmond in May. More than one thousand middle and high school students from throughout the state competed in various technology events.

Congratulations to Erin Cox who placed 5th in Multimedia Production, Hunter Hinote who placed 5th in Dragster Design, and the team of Jenny Gu, Adam Corey and Didun Ayodeji who placed 9th in the Lego Mindstorm competition. Also competing and doing an excellent job were Mercedez Stokes, Jack Laughlin, Tyler Twiggs, Miles Church and Sean Gazarik who competed in other events.

Congressman Wittman Visits YCSD

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Congressman Rob Wittman visited the Boys and Girls Club at York River Academy on Friday, May 10, 2013. Dr. Eric Williams, YCSD Superintendent, and Steven Kast, Chief Executive Officer of Boys and Girls Club Virginia Peninsula, highlighted the partnership success between the Boys and Girls Club and the school division and the strengths of the York County program in serving our youth.

YMS Pennies for Patients

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School (YMS) has once again exceeded the school’s fundraising goal to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The school’s Student Council set a goal of raising $1,500 this year, but the final tally was $1,771! Coupled with the $2,100 (well over the $1,000 goal) raised in 2012, the school’s two-year fundraising now totals $3,871.

The successful campaign was spurred on by classes competing to win the “Pasta for Pennies” Olive Garden lunch in which the class raising the most money would receive a catered lunch of salad, bread sticks and pasta, compliments of Olive Garden. The winning class this year was Mrs. Melanie Lovelace’s homeroom, raising slightly more than $415, followed closely by Mrs. Marjorie Correll’s class with $384 in funds raised and Mrs. Joanne Donohoe’s homeroom with a total of $171.

The student body truly showed wonderful spirit and support of such a worthy fundraising program that not only funds important research but also assists needy families with the cost of cancer treatments. Kudos to all YMS students and their families who supported this campaign!

YCSD Celebrated for Transforming Learning

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Students’ use of technology through the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) program in York County School Division (YCSD) was recently featured in a Digital Promise blog. Created by Congress and led by prominent educators and leaders in technology, Digital Promise is a new national center, with its goal being to advance technologies that can transform teaching and learning. YCSD was among the six charter members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, which has grown to include 32 school divisions nationwide.

GMS Students Learn About the Chesapeake Bay

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School students Beatrice Tombs, Kenny Coverston, Davon King and Krystal Lasalle recently participated in a demonstration about preserving the Chesapeake Bay led by Jaclyn Miller, guest educator from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

Stepping up the Pace for Cystic Fibrosis

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Tabb High School's DECA Chapter participated in the Annual Peninsula Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis at William and Mary Hall on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The walk was the culmination of a year-long effort to create awareness and raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on behalf of current THS DECA Senior, Amanda Varnes. In December, Tabb held their Fashion Show for a Cause which collected almost $1,500. They kept fundraising to bring their total to $2,500 to present on the day of the walk. Together, with other teams, the walk brought in over $25,000! Ninety percent of all donations go directly back to funding research to both control and cure this disease. Tabb DECA would like to thank Amanda's family, as well as all the generous donations they received this year.

Fiber Arts at Grafton Middle School

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Mrs. Layne's Sculpture and Crafts classes at Grafton Middle School demonstrate several weaving techniques on their cardboard looms. Students work from rough draft concepts on grid paper to create finished weaving designs that include shapes, textures and patterns.

CES 5th Annual Talent Show

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Coventry Elementary School students recently showcased their talents at the 5th Annual Talent Show.

Tabb Middle School Variety Show

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Tabb Middle School students, in conjunction with the National Junior Honor Society, recently participated in a program that showcased their interests and talents. Student acts included singing, dancing and instrumental performances on violin and piano. Proceeds from the sold-out crowd benefitted Tabb National Junior Honor Society's local and global service projects.

Students Takes Audience on a Journey in "A Blast from the Past"

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Short’s third grade class at Coventry Elementary School took audiences on a journey through time when they performed "A Blast from the Past", a musical drama about the many contributions of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

PTA Appreciates Teachers at Waller Mill Elementary

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

The Waller Mill Elementary School PTA provided daily treats for teachers and staff to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week. On Monday, teachers were treated to Serenity Spa mini chair massages, mini-pedicures, mini-manicures and mini-facials. Other treats included a giant candy bar, a grab and go lunch, and a special teacher breakfast. The Waller Mill teachers and staff are very grateful for the support of their wonderful PTA!

Student Art Display

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

The artwork of 17 York County School Division high schools students is now on display at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. The students’ art was recently selected as part of the juried "Preface 2013 High School Exhibition” in which 81 works of the 300 entries were selected for display. Jin Young Kim of Tabb High School earned Fourth Place for the watercolor “Untitled” and Courtney Chavis of Grafton High School earned Honorable Mention for the clay piece “Broken Gypsies.” The Preface display will be open to the public through May 26, 2013.

Award Winning Artwork

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Congratulations to Jordan Massey (Grafton Bethel Elementary School), Jane Wilkinson (Bruton High School), Gabriela Rios (Bruton High School), and Caroline Coburn (York High School) for acceptance of their artwork in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission’s online gallery. Students created art pieces that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Artwork will be available on the commission website through 2015.

Congratulations also to Dejah Williams, third grader at Bethel Manor Elementary School, and Aubrey Buck, 11th grader at Bruton High School, for acceptance of their entries to represent York County Schools at the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) art show. The student entries were on display May 1 at the VSBA Regional Forum.

YHS Students Fend Off the Competition in Boat Design Contest

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

York High School students continued their winning ways at the 6th Annual Boat Design Competition at the Mariner’s Museum in April. The “Deck Hands” team of Joe Daly, Ben Kempton and Kevin Mastracci, led by teacher John Hammons, took first place. York High has had at least one team finish in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in all six years of the competition.

YMS PTSA Presents Honorary Life Award to Vickie Byrum

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

In recognition of Vickie Byrum’s many years of support of the PTA, the Yorktown Middle School PTSA honored her with an Honorary Life Award, the PTA's highest Service Award. Vickie's support of the PTA has not gone unnoticed, as her knowledge and experience are invaluable.

Her hard work and dedication to YMS, the staff, and of course, the PTA, is greatly appreciated. The Honorary Life Award supports the Virginia PTA Scholarship program for college students seeking a service-oriented career.

New Superintendent Evaluation Standards

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

York County School Board Chair Barbara Haywood, Board Vice-Chair Mark Medford, and Division Superintendent Eric Williams participated in a recent conference that focused on the Virginia Board of Education’s new superintendent evaluation standards.

In September 2012, the Virginia Board of Education approved revised Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Superintendents. The evaluation guidelines become effective on July 1, 2014, although school divisions are authorized to implement them prior to that date.

To learn more about the new guidelines, visit the Virginia Department of Education website.

Student Playwrights

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Four School of the Arts students have been named winners of the 2013 New Voices for the Theatre competition, a nationally acclaimed state-wide high school playwriting program that celebrates and cultivates young writing talent from across Virginia. One-act plays from around the state are submitted and only eight winners are chosen. Congratulations to Julia Hernandez (Bruton High School), Elise Watts (York High School), Chris Crowe (York High School) and Jessica Gibson (Tabb High School).

This competition provides an exciting opportunity for Virginia students to work closely with professional theatre artists during a two-week residency. Students go to Richmond June 22-July 7, 2013, and work to bring their original one-act plays to life on the stage. During the residency program, students participate in workshops and revise their winning scripts. The plays will premier as staged readings during the 24th Annual Festival of New Works, July 5-6, 2013.

YCSD 2014 Teachers of the Year

Fri, 3 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Jennie MacBlane, a fourth grade teacher at Bethel Manor Elementary School, was named the 2014 York County School Division Teacher of the Year during a surprise visit to her classroom. Known for her enthusiasm and passion for writing, MacBlane brings books to life and instills a love of reading and writing in her students.

"We are truly honored to have Jennie MacBlane as one of our teachers,” said Dr. Stephanie Guy, the division’s Chief Academic Officer. "From the school-level to the division-level, all of our Teacher of the Year recipients exemplify what great teachers do every day – demonstrate a passion for learning, unwavering support for their students, and countless hours planning and refining engaging lessons."

A graduate of the College of William & Mary, MacBlane joined the division as a teacher at Bethel Manor Elementary School in 2004. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves as sponsor and advisor for various school activities. YCSD is also pleased to recognize all school-level Teachers of the Year.

Pinwheels for Prevention

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary School's Student Council Association supported Pinwheels for Prevention to raise awareness of child abuse prevention. Each student and staff member planted a pinwheel on the front lawn of Seaford Elementary.

SES Author and Artist Night

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary School hosted Author and Artist Night on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Cindee Progar, Seaford's art teacher, displayed student's artwork throughout the halls. Mrs. Judy Mitchell, music teacher, presented a third grade musical on recycling. All classrooms displayed writings by the children and student published books.

Cooking with Kids at Magruder Elementary

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

The Title I team at Magruder Elementary School recently held a Cooking with Kids workshop for their students and their students' families. Together they made chicken cheese quesadillas, fruit salad, and pineapple-banana smoothies with "fried" ice cream for dessert. Children were able to help make the recipes and then taste them. Teachers spoke to parents about the reasons why it is important to cook with children at home. Everyone had a fun-filled time learning to cook and sampling their final products!

Skyping in Kindergarten

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Mason's class at Bethel Manor Elementary School were able to Skype with a military veterinarian stationed in Germany. Major Barry shared pictures of some of the dogs from her deployment in Afghanistan, where her primary job was to care for military dogs. She was able to share what veterinarians do with the dogs and answer questions the students had about her job and the animals. Students are all working on Transformative Learning where each class is researching a community helper. Together the kindergarten classes will create a neighborhood with a veterinary clinic, a restaurant, grocery store, farm, and a bakery for other students in the school to visit.

Monarch Butterfly Garden in Progress

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

All York County School Division elementary schools are participating in the Monarch Butterfly Garden Initiative Project this school year. Staff, students and the PTA from each school are working together to establish new butterfly gardens, or improve existing gardens, on school grounds. Students voted on native plants to include in their school’s garden. All students will be contributing a plant to the garden. The Monarch Initiative Project is funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

YCSD Odyssey of the Mind Teams Advance to World Finals

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Odyssey of the Mind teams from Dare Elementary, Magruder Elementary, Tabb High and York High competed this past weekend in the State Tournament at John Champe High School in Aldie, Virginia. York High School's, It's How You Look at It, Division III team placed second and Dare Elementary School's, Pet Project, Division I team placed third. Both teams will represent the York County School Division and Virginia in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University from May 22-25, 2013.

Tabb MS Participates in Overseas Coupon Program

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Sixth and seventh grade Tabb Middle School (TMS) students have been participating in the Overseas Coupon Program. This program encourages people to send coupons overseas for use by military members and families. Coupons may be used up to six months past their printed expiration date at certain U.S. military bases overseas. Students have been clipping, sorting and totaling coupons throughout this school year. To date, these TMS student have sent coupons totaling $14,780 to Rota AB, Spain. They wrote letters that were sent with the first mailing of coupons, and hope to hear from the base before the end of the school year.

Two YCSD Schools Listed Among Nations Best

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Two York County School Division high schools made The Washington Post's annual list of the top public high schools in the country. Of the 1,900 schools listed, Bruton High School was ranked 501 and York High School was ranked 517 nationally. Only two other peninsula area high schools were recognized on the list.

The High School Challenge Index uses the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests taken by students at individual schools during the 2011-2012 school year divided by the school's total number of graduates, to rank schools. The Washington Post considers the formula as a measure of student readiness for college.

TES Gets Filmed while Skyping with a Classroom in Brazil

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

Mr. Steiner's second grade class at Tabb Elementary School recently Skyped with a second grade class in Brazil while participating in a Skye Documentary. Alyssa McCray, Jelissa Coleman and Jordan Rogers were interviewed by the Skype documentary crew about their experience.

Holocaust Remembrance Quilt Presented to the Jewish Community Center of the Peninsula

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

Katie Bookbinder's Yorktown Middle School geometry students transformed a math assignment involving congruent triangles, area and perimeter into a quilt to commemorate the lives of all those affected by the Holocaust. The students presented the quilt to the local Jewish Community Center of the Peninsula on the afternoon of April 7, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The quilt is on display at the Jewish Community Center.

Coast Guard Contest Winners at Yorktown Elementary

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

Yorktown Elementary Art students combined engineering skills with art to create amazing posters of innovative future ships. Students were asked to design a ship that transports goods more environmentally friendly; or uses an alternative fuel in the International Coast Guard/Jason Project, Let's Make Ships Greener Art Contest open to K-12 grades. Six 1st place winners were chosen from K-5; and six were chosen from 6-12 grades. Matthew Petrie was selected as the Grand prize winner of the contest. Krupa Patel, Maanov Patel and Caroline Allmon were chosen as first prize winners.

Yorktown Middle "Reads to Feed"

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

As part of Yorktown Middle School's annual Read Across America celebration, the English Department challenged students to read on behalf of Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that seeks to end world hunger. Students read from March 1 to March 22 and collected $2,298.80 through the Read to Feed program. They purchased two heifers, one water buffalo, three llama, one goat, one sheep, and an assortment of trees, bees, rabbits, chicks and ducks.

TES Reads Across America

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday and "Read Across America" month in March, parents, family and community volunteers were invited to read to students in host classrooms. Captain David Outten, a firefighter for York County Fire Department for 30+ years, read a Dr. Seuss book to Carol Gratton's second graders at Tabb Elementary School.

YMS BoB Team Takes Third Place!

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

For the second year, Yorktown Middle School placed third out of all the participating middle schools from Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg at the regional Battle of the Books competition held at the Williamsburg Regional Library in March.

Grafton Bethel 4th Graders Stage Silent Protest

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. McKisson's fourth grade literature group at Grafton Bethel Elementary School staged a protest after reading Kids Discover-Civil Rights. After creating posters to state their argument, students paraded through the school in a silent protest.

YES Book Fair at Barnes and Noble

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Yorktown Elementary School (YES) enjoyed a special book fair at Barnes and Noble in March. The evening was filled with a robotics demonstration, storytime with YES teachers, Cookie and Cocoa Party in the cafe, Readers' Theatre Performance by second graders, math and science demonstrations, chess games, YES art exhibit, and a special table filled with student-author books on display.

YCSD Employee Earns Regional Honor

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

Congratulations to Brendina Tobias, School Social Worker for the York County School Division, for being named as the recipient of the 2013 Volunteer Service Award through the Mid-Atlantic District Conference of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club. This award reflects her commitment to community service and her impact as a volunteer.

The Mid-Atlantic District is comprised of clubs from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia.

Tabb High Titanic Projects

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

AP English 11 students at Tabb High School have been researching the sinking of the Titanic and creating podcasts to report their findings. The students will have their work reviewed and judged by staff from NPR and the Mariners' Museum, with the winners being announced at a formal ceremony at the Museum on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The founder and voice of "A Moment in Time," Dan Roberts, will be attending the event to award the top three group.

YCSD Blue Ribbon Artists

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

Four York County School Division students recently took top honors at the Tidewater District Women’s Club Art Show. The students were entered into the District event after taking Best-in-Show honors at the Yorktown Woman's Club annual art show in January. Congratulations to:
Grades 9-12: Kirsten Stiller, Grafton High School
Grades 6-8: Shannon Hallingstad, Grafton Middle School
Grades 3-5: Kali Holsinger, Mount Vernon Elementary School
Grades K-2: Shayne Seffernick, Seaford Elementary School

Seaford Students Present Famous Americans

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

First grade students at Seaford Elementary School participated in a transformative learning project about famous Americans. As part of their unit of study, first graders concentrate on five famous Americans: Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver and Eleanor Roosevelt. The different first grade classes each studied and become an expert on their one assigned famous American.

Students were given a choice on how they planned to present their famous American to the other classes in order to share the essential knowledge. Some classes assembled a power point, while others performed plays, songs and even a puppet show. Props, which focused on symbols relative to their American, were assembled in the classroom. The presentations were exhibited to the other first grade and kindergarten classes to teach them about the contributions of their American. This year, first grade students presented to the third grade as well, as a review for their upcoming history SOL. Students took great ownership of their projects and were engaged throughout the learning process.

Tabb Middle School Partners with the Armed Forces Communication and Electronic Association

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

Tabb Middle School has been selected by the Armed Forces Communication & Electronic Association (AFCEA) as a STEM Adopt-A-School. The AFCEA will provide resources to our school in support of STEM initiatives and activities.

AFCEA representatives and a representative from IBM presented Terry Guthrie with a check for $4,025 to engage students in engineering concepts and enhance critical thinking skills. Terry will be purchasing iPads, wind generators and participating in a STEM Engineering conference this summer.

YMS Celebrates Music In Our Schools Month

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School students performed for the residents of the Colonial Harbor Retirement community on Friday, March 22, 2013, in recognition of 2013 Music In Our Schools Month.

Bethel Manor Students Celebrate Reading

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Bethel Manor Elementary School students and families celebrated the love of reading at Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. The celebration included the showcase of original artwork, a performance by the fourth and fifth grade chorus, second graders acting out their favorite Mo Willems books, and Bethel Manor teachers reading their favorite books to families. Students, teachers and families celebrated their love of reading surrounded in books!

Grafton Middle School is Determined!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School’s I'm Determined Team had the opportunity to present at the Regional Conference at the College of William & Mary. The dynamic implementation team included staff members Ebony Griffin, Keisha Buckner, Chelsea Normandeau, Ashley Hurst, and two students, Ashley Bush and Alissa Major. The team engaged a room of more than 250 educators, students and parents who were interested in the programs implemented and modified at Grafton Middle that empowered students to "learn how to help themselves," the essence of the self-determination project. From student-led IEP meetings to the S.T.O.P conference model, staff are excited about where this program will take their school.

Peninsula District PTA Essay Winners

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Congratulations to the following York County School Division students for being honored in the Peninsula District PTAEssay Contest for the 2012-2013 school year:

High School
Second Place - Michael Trepte, Grafton
Third Place - Anthony Addeo, Bruton

Middle School
Third Place - Garrett Bienkush, Tabb

The Citizenship Essay theme for this year was "Proud to be an American".

William and Mary Basketball Stars Read to Waller Mill Students

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Katie Buenaga, a student teacher from the College of William & Mary, recently invited college athletes to Waller Mill Elementary School for Reading Month. Terry Tarpey, Brett Goodlowe and Tim Rusthoven, members of the William and Mary basketball team, visited Mrs. O'Neal's second grade students to read the Stinky Cheese Man book.

Third Graders at Magruder Travel Undersea with Dr. Steinberg

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Third grade students at Magruder Elementary School had a very special and exciting visit from Dr. Deborah K. Steinberg, a Professor of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Dr. Steinberg presented the students with a hands-on account of the ocean and brought along several creatures for the students to view and touch. Dr. Steinberg discussed adaptations of many ocean animals and explained to students the reason for each adaptation.

The students were also interested to learn about the zones of the ocean and the various animals that live in each zone. Dr. Steinberg concluded her lesson by helping the students to become angler fish. Students were provided head bands that featured a glow in the dark lure. In a dark room, students were able to see and experience how angler fish must adapt to surroundings in order to find food in the deepest parts of the ocean. The presentation came at a perfect time since the third graders are learning about habitats this week.

Angela Maiers Encourages Students to Find Their Genius

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

"You are a genius and the world needs your contributions!" That’s the message Angela Maiers delivered to students at Waller Mill Elementary School on Monday, March 25, 2013. Maiers, a former educator, served as an expert in residence while working with students and staff at several schools March 25-27, 2013. She worked with staff and students on developing lesson plans and activities that engage students in meaningful learning experiences that have an impact on their community.

YCSD Odyssey of the Mind Champions

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Four York County School Division teams took First Place in the Peninsula Region Odyssey of the Mind competition on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Student teams earned top honors in the following categories:

Problem 1 - Pet Project
Division I
First Place: Dare Elementary
Division III
First Place: Tabb High
Problem 2 - The Email Must Go Through
Division I
First Place: Magruder Elementary
Problem 5 - It’s How You Look At It
Division III
First Place: York High

First place teams are eligible to advance to the state competition in April.

YCSD Programs Featured in State Directory

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has released its 17th annual VSBA Showcases for Success directory, highlighting successful K-12 programs in Virginia’s public schools. The York County School Division is one of 52 school divisions from across the Commonwealth that has programs featured in the directory highlighting programs that emphasize the VSBA's mission of "Leadership, Advocacy, and Support." YCSD programs featured in the Showcase include Technology Tuesday, monthly online and interactive professional development sessions to support teachers in the area of technology integration, and the Collaborative Approach to Teacher Evaluation, a multi-year committee approach to creating the division’s new teacher evaluation system.

WMES Students Raise $1500 with Jump Rope for Heart

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

Students at Waller Mill Elementary Fine Arts Magnet raised $1,500 for Jump Rope for Heart. Katie Gentry raised $250 and earned a day as PE assistant.

Waller Mill Students Celebrate Read Across America

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

The annual Storybook Parade was held at Waller Mill Elementary on Friday, March 1, 2013. Students from Bruton High's band and York High's drama team accompanied the marchers and contributed to the morning celebration of book characters and reading.

Fun Friday events that celebrate reading at Waller Mill include: March 8 - Cat in the Hat Day (Students and staff wear animal hats and bring donations for the Humane Society); March 15 - Fox in Soxs Day (Students and staff wear crazy socks and bring a pair of new socks to donate to the Avalon Shelter); March 22 (Students and staff wear pajamas and bring a new or gently used book to share with a family in need); and March 29 - One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish Day (Students and staff wear Red and Blue and bring a canned food item for FISH). Fun Fridays not only celebrate children's literature but also encourage students to contribute to the community.

Science National Honor Society at Tabb High

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

Membership in the Science National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon students enrolled in grades 10-12 that meet a very stringent set of requirements. Students must participate in the Tabb High Science Fair, successfully complete an advanced level science course and an advance placement science course above the other more common requirements to be considered for acceptance into an academic honor society.

Tabb High Science National Honor Society, sponsored by Mrs. Joyce Kuberek and Mrs. Karen Mayeaux, held the first SNHS induction ceremony on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in the Tabb High KIVA. Dr. Michael Gazarik, NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate, opened the ceremony with a presentation on the largest space rover to land on Mars - Curiosity. He enlightened the audience with slides and video of the ten year journey the mission took from conception to actual landing on Mars. He provided insight into career opportunities and encouraged the students to develop their love of science into their career.

Dresses for Haiti

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST

In Dana Jurgens’ Family and Consumer Science III class at Grafton Middle School, students made pillow case style dresses for Girls in Haiti. Nearly one hundred dresses were taken down to Haiti by Mr. Bill Smith of Bethel Baptist Church. The dresses were distributed to three different orphanages.

Biology Protein Synthesis "Party"

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in York High School’s IB Biology class review protein synthesis with a little protein "party". One student role played the mRNA and had to transcribe a strand of DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Before leaving the nucleus they had to be processed and a 5' cap and poly A tail were added to the new mRNA strand. The mRNA student then went to the ribosome where the mRNA strand was translated. A race ensued between teams as they ran to get the correct amino acid balloon. The activity is courtesy of Samantha Bickel, a VIMS GK-12 Fellow. Students in the photo are translating their mRNA molecule.

Spreading the Shamrocks for MDA

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb High School DECA participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrock sale to help raise money for children with Muscular Dystrophy. This year's funds will go to help offset summer camp expenses for children with Muscular Dystrophy. Every summer the MDA manages summer camps that cater to the specific needs of these children. The expenses associated with attendance can be a burden to the already stretched budgets of the families with these children. DECA hopes to make that a little easier with this year's fundraiser. Shamrocks were sold the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day.

State Trooper Napier Visits Tabb Middle School

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

State Trooper James Napier recently visited with Mr. Howard's Criminal Justice class at Tabb Middle School. He has been a trooper for about 3 years, prior to becoming a state trooper he was a sheriff's deputy in Hampton, and once had his own brick laying business. Trooper Napier demonstrated what takes place when they run a roadside sobriety test. He showed the students the various tools at his disposal carried on his belt. Most importantly, he shared the importance of not texting while driving.

Holocaust Writing Contest

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

For the 4th year in a row, 7th grade Grafton Middle School (GMS) Advanced English students from Mrs. Barnes' classes have winning entries for the local Holocaust Writing Competition. This year students competed against 700 entries. GMS students were recognized with the following awards:

Creative Division
First Prize: Olivia Seufzer
Third Prize: Christina Sabochick
Finalists: Blen Asres, Campbell Pozin, Anna Privett, Sean Redinger, Casey Wright, Savannah Williams

Expository Division
Third Prize: Ryan Dalander
Finalist: Elizabeth Oliver

Congratulations to all the GMS students!

BMES Second Grade Music Performance

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Bethel Manor 2nd grade students appeared in a program entitled "Positive: A Celebration of Happy Thoughts" on Thursday, March 7, 2013. This program was presented in conjunction with the Eagle Chorus Spring Concert.

THS Students Shine in District VIII Choral Assessment

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Tabb High School Girls Ensemble participated in the District VIII Choral Assessment on Friday, March 15, 2013. This assessment, sponsored by the Virginia Music Educators Association, is the vocal performing equivalent to a state SOL test.

The students scored all "1's" on their stage performance as well as getting a perfect score in the sight reading room. They scored a 248 out of a possible 260 points. This would be equivalent to a pass advanced for an SOL test.

YCSD Students Win Big at Regional Science Fair

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students from all York County School Division middle and high schools represented the division in the Tidewater Regional Science Fair on Saturday, March 16, 2013, with 49 entries earning awards ranging from First Place to Honorable Mention. YCSD students competed against students from school divisions throughout the Hampton Roads region, bringing home top honors in 14 categories. Students also claimed more than $2,000 in cash prizes all together.

Katie Webb, a Tabb High School student, not only earned First Place in the Senior Division Earth and Planetary Science category, she also earned the overall First Grand Prize. Shijia Wang, a York High School student, earned Second Grand Prize in addition to her First Place honors in the Senior Division Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical Category.

Both students have been selected to attend and represent YCSD at the International Science Fair in Phoenix, Arizona in May. Congratulations to all the student participants!

VDOE School Report Card Survey

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is partnering with the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) to redesign VDOE’s online School Report Cards for public schools, school divisions, and the state. The views of stakeholders and other report card users are critical to the success of this project. CIT is gathering feedback from stakeholders and users through an online survey that is open to all members of the public and may be accessed at the following address: https://survey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1NwS0NSbsPVTLmd.

Paper Line Art Sculptures at GMS

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students at Grafton Middle School proudly display their Paper Line Art Sculptures. The middle school students worked in teams to design and create a three-dimensional paper sculpture. Project requirements included using paper and line to demonstrate the elements of art and principles of design such as shape, repetition, variety, pattern, contrast, and value.

Monarch Initiative at GBES

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Grafton Bethel Elementary School students worked with Mrs. Patty Ellison to select native plants for the Grizzly Getaway as part of the new Monarch Initiative sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and the Division of Game and Inland Fisheries.

School Board Member Celebrates Read Across America

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

YCSD School Board Member, Page Minter, read Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds to Mrs. Bauer's fourth grade class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School as part of the Read Across America celebrations.

GMS students read to GBES Second Graders

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School students visited Grafton Bethel recently and read to classrooms to celebrate Read Across America.

YMS 6th Grade Studies Child Labor Issues

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Marge Correll's 6th grade class at Yorktown Middle School extended their country research by exploring the issue of child labor. Students looked for data about the problem in various countries, information about the type of labor children are engaged in, and information about what is being done to correct the problem. The experience was an eye-opener for these 6th graders. The students collaboratively created a banner as a result of their research.

State PTA Reflections Awards

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Congratulations to the following York County students who placed at the State level in the PTA Reflections Contest: Outstanding Interpretation in Music: Christine Gyure (Tabb Elementary), Award of Excellence in Film: Julia Hernandez (Bruton High), and Award of Merit in Dance: Sydney Holbrook (Tabb Elementary). Christine Gyure’s entry will move on to the National Level for judging. Congratulations to all of these students.

YCSD Elementary Schools Earn State Awards

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Congratulations to Coventry Elementary School and Mt. Vernon Elementary School for being recognized by the Virginia Board of Education and Governor McDonnell in the 2013 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. Both schools earned the 2013 Virginia Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award. The award was bestowed upon 98 schools that met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and made progress toward the goals of the governor and the board.

YCSD Featured in Book

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Futurist David Houle highlights the innovative uses of technology for learning by the York County School Division in his recently published book, Entering the Shift Age. Houle identifies and explains the dynamics and forces that have shaped our world and will continue to reshape it for the next twenty years. Houle refers to York County’s Bring Your Own Technology initiative, private cloud infrastructure and online learning initiatives and relates them to the trends of global connectivity, anytime/anywhere/any device learning, and personalization. Houle’s praise of the York County School Division follows the recognition by Microsoft of our schools as among the most innovative in the nation, as well as the invitation to serve as a charter member of the national League of Innovative Schools.

Tabb Middle School Raises Fund for the Police Unity Tour

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Friday, March 1, 2013, students and teachers at Tabb Middle School raised funds for the Police Unity Tour by wearing "Caps for Cops". The Tabb Middle School community raised over $250 for the tour which has a goal to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty.

TES Jumps for Heart

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb Elementary School students continued their tradition of supporting the American Heart Association for the 11th year in a row. On February 14, 2013, all students joined in the fun and gathered in the TES gym for an all-day Jump Rope for Heart event. Their fundraising efforts resulted in over $10,000 in donations to help fund research into two of our nation's biggest killers, heart disease and stroke.

NASA Shares Technology Lesson with Tabb High

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Joyce Kuberek's classes at Tabb High School enjoyed a visit from NASA's Dr. Jerome Kegelman and Ms. Susan Cooper. The presentation expanded the student's understanding of what NASA actually does. There is more to NASA than space travel. Many of the technological advances NASA is responsible for are used in everyday consumer products like our radios and cell phones and even football equipment and tennis shoes. Dr. Kegelman also provided students with an insight into the varied employment opportunities at NASA. Turns out, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work at NASA. There are many support positions, internships and externships available. Ms. Cooper modeled an actual space suit and demonstrated just how it's many components work together to keep astronauts safe and secure while in space.

The presentation was shared using Skype with fellow Tabb High Science teacher Mr. Erick Grube's and all the way to Tabb Middle School's Technology teacher Mr. Donald Todd's classes.

TMS Students Participate in TSA Regional Competition

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Tidewater Technology Student Association regional competition was held Saturday, March 2, 2013, at St. Clare Walker Middle School in Locust Hill, Virginia. Tabb Middle School was well represented at the competition. The Systems Control (Lego Mindstorm) team of Jenny Gu -captain, Adam Corey, and Didun Ayodeji placed first. Erin Cox place second in Multimedia Production. Third place recipients were: Hunter Hinote in Dragster Design, Sean Gazarik in Flight, and Jenny Gu in Promotional Design.

YCSD Student Art Contest Winners

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

The York County School Division honored the Winter 2013 Student Art Contest Winners during a reception on February 26, 2013. The contest is open to all YCSD students with winners being selected at the elementary and secondary levels. Shannon Myatt and Julea Thomas, students at Mt. Vernon Elementary School were awarded the elementary prize for their joint creation, while Grafton Middle School student Lyssa Garber earned the secondary prize. Both pieces of artwork join a permanent display of student artwork at the School Board Office.

Battle of the Books Teams

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Mt. Vernon Elementary and Coventry Elementary schools were among the many elementary schools from the York County School Division to participate in the annual Battle of the Books held by the York County Public Library. Students who participated read 15 books and answered a series of questions about the books. The team from Coventry Elementary School won third place in the competition while the team from Mt. Vernon came in fifth place.

YMS Wins the County Battle of the Books Competition!

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013, the Yorktown Middle School Battle of the Books team defended their championship at the County competition held at the Tabb Public Library. The YMS team will compete against teams from Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg at the regional competition to be held at the Williamsburg Regional Library on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.

Magruder Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss's Birthday!

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

A Dr. Seuss workshop was held in Magruder Elementary School's library on March 1, 2013 in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday. At the workshop, students listened to Dr. Seuss books that were read by teachers and parents. They also played Dr. Seuss games and had their pictures taken in the Dr. Seuss photo booth. After reading books and playing games students enjoyed green eggs and ham for breakfast.

Mt. Vernon Storybook Parade

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students and teachers dressed as their favorite storybook character for the annual Storybook Parade at Mt. Vernon Elementary School.

Dr. Williams meets Dr. Seuss at CES

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Dr. Eric Williams, YCSD Superintendent, visited Mrs. Dunn's 1st Grade class to read a favorite Dr. Seuss story during Read Across America festivities at Coventry Elementary School.

TMS reads to TES

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb Middle School (TMS) students returned to their Tabb Elementary School (TES) roots to "Grab a hat and read with a class." Many TMS readers came to TES to kick off Read Across America.

YHS Drama Kicks off Read Across America Month at WMES

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Friday, March 1, 2013, students from the York High School Drama Department helped kick off Read Across America Month at Waller Mill Elementary School. Drama students dressed up as familiar characters as students collaborated in this celebration of Dr. Seuss and the love of reading in the annual Storybook Character Parade.

Tabb DECA Wins at State Leadership Conference

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Virginia DECA played host to 3,300 high school DECA members in Virginia Beach at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, March 1-3, 2013. Conference attendees participated in workshops, elected the upcoming executive board and competed in competency based individual and team, series and written events. Winners from the District Leadership Conference from Tabb High School DECA that continued on to the State Leadership Conference were Sarah Burkett, Rachel Deyerle, Hannah Dun, Logan Lancaster, Rebecca Mackey, Brooke Mahan, Taylor Stubbs, Courtney Taylor and Amanda Varnes. Courtney Taylor's outstanding job in the Hotel Lodging Management Event and Brooke Mahan's and Taylor Stubbs' excellent team Entrepreneurship Innovative Plan won them the opportunity to continue on to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California in April 2013. Top overall winners at ICDC receive scholarship funds and recognition. Tabb High School DECA Advisor, Christina Majka received the Outstanding Advisor Award at SLC for her dedication and countless hours of work she puts into making Tabb DECA a success. Tabb DECA Chapter received the highest award "Blue Chip" for the aggressive program of work submitted to SLC in the Annual Report. The Tabb Chapter also received recognition for Virginia DECA Day activities, as well as a Community Service Award, and a Charity Award.

HELP, MY CHILD IS ALMOST A SENIOR! Parent University

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

The Grafton High School Guidance Department has brought together a group of "experts" to give parents the information they need to help rising seniors make decisions about their future. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the GHS Auditorium. The following topics will be offered: College Admissions, Financial Aid, Scholarships, SAT Preparation and Military Options.

Kindergarteners Skype to Discuss Presidents

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Magruder's kindergarteners met up with their counterparts at Waller Mill via Skype Wednesday to trade facts about two famous Presidents; Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Even the littlest patriots love participating in transformative learning!

100 Days of School at Seaford Elementary

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Mohrhusen's second grade class aged significantly during the first 100 days of school. They enjoyed dressing as 100 year old "students" to help celebrate the 100th day.

Shout Out for Grafton Bethel Elementary Carnival

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Grizzwald and "PTA volunteers" greeted buses on Friday to let students know about the PTA Carnival on Saturday!

NASA Visits GBES Kindergarten

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Director of Research, NASA Langley Research Center and Grafton Bethel parent Jill Marlowe visited Cathy Anderson's kindergarten class at Grafton Bethel. "National Engineers Week" is held each February. As part of this national effort, NASA asks its employees to serve for a "Day of Education" by visiting K-12 kids.

GBES Fifth Graders Skype

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

After reading The Cay, fifth graders at Grafton Bethel (GBES) skyped with Jeremy Wheeler, WAVY-TV10's weatherman. He provided information on hurricanes related to their reading of The Cay. He also answered students' questions about local weather and types of storms. Jeremy gave a shoutout to GBES on Friday, February 22, 2013 during his local weather report!

Grafton Middle School Students Exploring the Revolutionary War Through Technology

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Mrs. Bull’s 6th grade classes at Grafton Middle School researched the Revolutionary War using BYOT then created posters based on their findings. Students are pictured here in front of a timeline exhibiting their work. QR codes on the posters linked to videos of students presenting.

Going Green at Grafton Bethel Elementary

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Kimes’s class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School researched areas of the school that needed a recycling bin. They placed their hand-decorated "green" recycling box in the office and collected recycled items. A student suggested they graph the items to determine the most used location. Then they moved the box to the cafeteria, collected items and graphed. Their final location was the Teacher's Lounge which became the final resting place for the recycling box as that location (according to their graphs) produced the most amount of recycled items.

Seaford Students Helping Students

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary fourth grade student, Nick Rumble, works with first grade students during their calendar time. He reviewed with students the days of the week and worked with students on telling time.

2013 PTA Reflections Winners from Tabb Elementary

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

These Tabb Elementary School students were recognized at the 2013 PTA Reflections Awards:

Sydney Holbrook - Dance Choreography (Primary Division) - First Place District
Christine Gyure - Musical Composition (Intermediate Division) - First Place District
Lauren Holbrook - Dance Choreography (Intermediate Division) - Second Place District
Victoria Scarbrough - Visual Arts (Primary Division) - Second Place County
Sierra Pratzner - Literature (Primary Division) - Second Place County
Nicholas Gu - Literature (Intermediate Division) - Second Place County
Mia Sumera - Visual Arts (Intermediate Division) - Honorable Mention
Lance Koontz - Photography (Primary Division) - Honorable Mention
Logan Koontz - Photography (Intermediate Division) - Honorable Mention

The two District First Place winners, Sydney Holbrook and Christine Gyure, will now compete at the state PTA level.

Volunteer Readers at Seaford Elementary

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Candi Skinner, Director of Elementary Instruction, volunteered to read at Seaford Elementary during Read Across America Month. She read The Giving Tree to Mrs. Mohrhusen's second grade class. The school welcomes volunteers from the community to come and read.

Seaford Skypes with SeaWorld

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary first graders celebrated penguin week. Students studied animals and their adaptions for their environment. They enjoyed a unique experience of a Skype session with SeaWorld of San Antonio, Texas. Since the students do not get the opportunity to observe penguins, they took advantage of observing them at SeaWorld. Leo Reyes of SeaWorld San Antonio spoke with the children and explained the penguin activity, as well as their body covering and other adaptations.

Tabb Middle School Science Fair Winners

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Please congratulate all of these Tabb Middle School students for participating in the York County Science Fair. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are eligible to participate in the Tidewater Science Fair in March.

Flash Mob at Yorktown Elementary

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

The Yorktown Elementary School Student Council Association (SCA) conducted a Bully Prevention Performance for K-5 students for Bully Prevention Month. The SCA performed the book One by Kathryn Otsohi where the color Red bullied all of the other colors until One came along and stood up to Red. The SCA and Yorktown Elementary School staff then performed a flash mob to the song "What I am" by Sesame Street and Will.i.am as the performance grand finale.

Theater IV Performances at Yorktown Middle School

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Richmond-based Theater IV presented The Oliver Hill Story for Yorktown Middle School students on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. The Oliver Hill Story, written by Bruce Craig Miller, is about a Richmond trial lawyer who worked tirelessly against racial discrimination and helped end the doctrine of "separate but equal." Mr. Hill worked all his life "to challenge the conscience of our Commonwealth and our country" and to leave a better world. The Black History month performances were followed by a question and answer session with Mrs. Tanisha Carmichael's public speaking and drama classes.

Mt. Vernon Celebrates the 100th Day of School

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Jacobson's first grade class at Mt. Vernon Elementary School stacked 100 cups to celebrate the 100th day of school on February 12, 2013. Other activities included dressing up like 100-year-olds, doing 100 jumping jacks and making shakers with 100 beads.

100th Day Celebration at YES

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Yorktown Elementary first graders celebrated the 100th day of school on February 12, 2013 by dressing how they envision themselves when they turn 100. The day was filled with activities such as bringing to school 100 small items, wearing 100th day crowns, stringing necklaces with 100 rings, counting to 100 by 1's, 5's, 10's, doing jumping jacks to 100, and collecting 100 food items for the community food closet.

MES Second Graders Skype with Meteorologist

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Magruder Elementary School second graders had a wonderful time during their transformative lesson on weather which included Skype sessions with Jeremy Wheeler from television station WAVY-TV10. The students were very engaged and Mr. Wheeler gave several insights into how meteorologists forecast and track weather here on the Virginia coastline.

Mt. Vernon Celebrates Read Across America

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Jacobson's first grade class at Mt. Vernon Elementary School read books to Shaggy, a therapy dog, during Read Across America month. Shaggy and his owner, Michele Mahaffey, visit schools and hospitals to help people feel better.

Trophies Awarded to Reflections Winners at Yorktown Elementary

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

More than 150 Yorktown Elementary students participated in the PTA Reflections Program. The 2012 Reflections Theme was "The Magic of the Moment..." Student winners were recognized by receiving trophies for their work in literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance choreography, and film production.

Bullying Awareness Activities

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Waller Mill Elementary School (WMES) students and staff have participated in a variety of activities for Bullying Prevention Month. To culminate the school’s Anti-Bullying Spirit Days students and staff collaborated with Dare Elementary School (DES) to host a Skype session which included showcasing art teacher, Renee Koob, who works at both schools. Students at both schools were encouraged to sit with a new friend at lunch. Students also participated in a positive message "Snowball Throw" in their classes and enjoyed hot cocoa to "Warm up to a new friend"

WMES Students exchanged positive affirmation notes with DES Students to fill their buckets! In return, DES Students created and shared Valentine-Grams with WMES students' buckets.

GBES Third Graders Have a Heart!

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

After viewing videos of children in third world countries who didn't have clean water to drink, Grafton Bethel Elementary third graders brainstormed ways to help. Through the guidance of the third grade teachers, they decided to create Valentine treats to raise money for a water filtration system. More than $500 was raised and through their donations they can now fund six water filtration systems!

Mt. Vernon Celebrates 100 days of School

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

First grade teachers at Mt. Vernon Elementary School celebrate the 100th day of school!

TES Rock Festival

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Tabb Elementary 2012 Rock Festival really ROCKED! The purpose of this event was to incorporate some excitement into learning about rocks and the Earth's layers. Fifth grade students went from class to class doing the fun activities set up.

In Mrs. Hughes Hankins' room, students could pick out a rock and decorate it with eyes, hair and other real features to create their own 'Pet Rock'. Students also enjoyed naming their new pet rocks and pretending they were alive. Did you know that the first pet rock sold for $3.99 in 1975?

Miss Phelan's room was the cooking! The students made three types of desserts with each one relating to a type of rock in the rock cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic).

In Ms. Knopp's room, students made plaster fossils by pressing shells against clay, then filling the indention with the plaster and letting it harden.

Next door in Mrs. Shield's room, students created necklaces, bracelets or key chains from polished rocks. They wrapped the rocks, including jade and marble, in wire and tied string to the pendant to finish the necklace/bracelet.

Things were really cracking in Mrs. Maloney's room as students broke real geodes that came from Mexico. Geodes are spherical rocks that form near bodies of water. Each geode had a 90% chance of having interesting and unique crystal formations inside them. All of the student's geodes were different and had their own unique patterns.

The Rock Festival was amazingly bodacious and really boosted the students' enthusiasm levels in learning about rocks and the Earth's layers. (submitted by Nicholas Gu and Lukas Zoldi, students of Mrs. Hughes Hankins)

YHS Classroom Visit

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

YCSD Superintendent Eric Williams, Ed.D. visited the senior English class taught by Antoinette Barnett at York High School in February. He was invited to speak to the class in connection with their college and career unit. Students asked questions regarding the work of a Superintendent and also discussed effective teaching, favorite lessons and school food.

Local Educators to Participate in Global Education Symposium in Washington D.C.

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

York High School teacher Amy Holtschneider and Principal Dr. Peggie Constantino visited Washington D.C. in February to take part in the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program’s (TGC) Global Education Symposium. They are among a group of 160 educators selected to participate in the event, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is an exchange and professional development opportunity for secondary school teachers. The program’s goal is to give teachers the experience and skills to advance their schools’ global education practices, internationalizing teaching and learning in their classrooms.

Participants apply through the non-profit organization IREX. Once selected, teachers complete an online course, attend the symposium and then spend 2-3 weeks in a foreign country. Mrs. Holtschneider will travel to Kazakhstan.

Outstanding Schools

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Congratulations to Tabb and Grafton High Schools for being recognized by Hampton Roads Magazine as two of the best public high schools in Hampton Roads for the 2012 school year! The article from the magazine can be found at: http://www.hamptonroadsmag.com/February-2013/Twelve-Standout-Schools/.

Instructional Materials Review

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

The York County School Division has begun the Instructional Material Review (IMR) process for world language levels I and II textbooks (for French, German, Latin and Spanish). All textbooks and related teacher resources, student materials and electronic materials are reviewed and adopted through this process. Materials that support the YCSD Curriculum and correlate highly with the Virginia Standards of Learning will be targeted for review.

Parents and community stakeholders are invited to review, and provide feedback on, the materials recommended for adoption. The Public Review is scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2013 in the School Board Office Round Room. Materials will be on display from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

YHS District Band Participants

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

York High School students participated in the District 8 All District Band Clinic at Warhill High School in February.

YMS District Band Participants

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Several Yorktown Middle School (YMS) band students participated in the VA Band and Orchestra Directors Association District VIII Junior District Band Concert held on February 1st and 2nd at Warhill High School in Williamsburg, Virginia. YMS was honored to have the following students participate: Jonathan Davis, Walter Buck, Ben Lofton, Hannah Cole, Tyler Smith, Kevin Babu, Liam Billings, Cale Overstgreet, Joe Topp, and Jim Furches.

YMS January Citizens of the Month

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School (YMS) recognizes students each month during the school year who have shown exemplary behavior or outstanding character for that month.

Congratulations to the following sixth grade students who were chosen as YMS Citizens of the Month for January 2013: Jackson Bachand, Brian Fox, Dakota Cooley, Nana Agyekum, Alyson Youngpeter, Abigail Miller, Anevay Moreno, Deja Huggins, Bridgit Dispirito, Trevor Jordan, Connor Needy, Kelsey Talbert, and Kortney Thompson.

All Things Strings Performs at Mt. Vernon Elementary School

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

"All Things Strings" which is a branch of the Williamsburg Symphonia presented a program "Meet the Musicians" to the fourth grade students at Mt. Vernon Elementary School. Students had the opportunity to play string instruments and hear the musicians play music from many different countries.

Tabb Middle School National Junior Honor Society Helps out PORT

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb Middle School National Junior Honor Society assembled hygiene kits for the Peninsula's largest homeless shelter, PORT. Students packed over 100 kits that included items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, body wash and shampoo. This is just one of the many service projects that Tabb NJHS members support throughout the year.

THS Grasses for the Masses Project

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb High School's Club Earth has undertaken an industrious project to help with the rehabilitation of our local waterways by growing and planting underwater grasses. The group is sponsored by THS faculty members Sherri Sklute, Diane Kokorelis, Kristin Grigonis and Lynn Shematek.

Participants in the program grow wild celery (Vallisneria americana), a type of underwater grass at the school for 10-12 weeks. After 10-12 weeks of grow-out, participants will gather to plant their grasses in select local rivers to bolster grass populations and help restore the Bay. Last year, Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) participants planted over 6,000 underwater grasses between the two restoration sites on the Potomac and James Rivers.

Underwater grasses, also called submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV, filter polluted runoff, provide food for waterfowl, and provide essential habitat for blue crabs, juvenile rockfish (striped bass), and other aquatic species. Their leaves and stems baffle wave energy and help settle out sediments. Their roots and rhizomes bind the substrate. Underwater grasses also take up nitrogen and phosphorus that, in overabundance, lead to algae blooms that can degrade water quality. Migrating waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, eat underwater grasses.

At its most pristine, the Bay may have supported several hundred thousand acres of underwater grasses. Underwater grasses have been in decline to a documented low of 38,000 acres in 1984. From 1984 to 1993, underwater grasses increased to 73,000 acres, according to the CBF.

This is a project that is good for the Bay and economically good for the citizens in the Delmarva Peninsula. Increasing the conditions of the Bay increases its value in terms of fisheries, recreation and the value of the real estate surrounding it.

1st Annual Grafton Bazaar, Craft and Vendor Show

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Grafton High Band will host a fundraiser on Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Grafton High School Cafeteria, 403 Grafton Drive Yorktown. Raffles, concessions and Grafton Band performances will take place throughout the day while you shop and support the band.

Fire Safety at GBES

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Mrs. Carpenter's first grade class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School was introduced to fire safety by the father of one of her students. Shawn Murphy (father of Kelly Murphy) suited up to demonstrate how a fireman would fight a fire as well as share safety practices in the home.

Monarch Workshop

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Monday, January 28, 2013, nearly two dozen YCSD elementary teachers participated in a hands-on workshop sponsored by Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The workshop focused on how to establish and use outdoor gardens for instruction. Participants also received books and other resources to take back to their classrooms. The workshop was funded by the Monarch Initiative Project which provides grant funding to establish or expand monarch habitats at each elementary school during the 2013-2014 school year.

Paper Airplane Contest at Magruder Elementary

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Magruder families and staff braved the chilly weather Thursday night, January 17, 2013, to participate in an airplane contest. The PTA sponsored the exciting event and provided students with the materials to create their own paper airplane. After creating their airplane, students participated in an airplane throwing contest where students tested their airplane to see how far it would fly. Families and staff had an enjoyable time watching students use their creative skills to create airplanes.

Math Mountain at MES

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, students participated in a day filled with fun math activities in Math Mountain at Magruder Elementary School. Teachers developed engaging lessons for students to revisit objectives taught throughout the first two quarters of the year. Students loved learning about math from each of their grade level's teachers. The students were very excited and asked several times when the second math mountain will take place.

Snow and the Five Senses at Grafton Bethel

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

Grafton Bethel kindergarteners enjoyed the snow and a science lesson on the five senses as they tasted, touched, listened to, smelled and saw the snow!

Goats Visit Magruder Elementary School

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

The students at Magruder Elementary School (MES) received a surprise visit on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, from a few miniature pygmy goats. The goats visited the school to provide the students with a real world connection to the Read to Feed Fundraiser that ended the day before. Students raised over $3,000 for the Read to Feed program by being sponsored to read over the last two months. By raising the money, students are providing a country with goats, cows and water buffalos to help with the basic needs of a village. Students were excited to help and encouraged each other throughout the fundraiser. Faculty and administrators were blown away by the amount of money raised and the amount of participants in the school. MES students really made a difference in the lives of others and continue to make their mark each day!

Day at the Capitol

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

Members of the School Board of York County, along with Eric Williams, Superintendent, and Dennis Jarrett, Chief Financial Officer attended this year's "Day at the Capitol" Legislative Conference, sponsored by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) at the Richmond Marriott on January 23.

Attendees took part in a Legislative Issues Briefing on state budget issues, personnel issues, school board operations, teacher issues and other topics.

Dr. Williams and members of the School Board are scheduled to return to Richmond next week to meet with members of the local legislative delegation to discuss educational issues under consideration during the 2013 General Assembly.

DES Club Earns "Coins for Conservation"

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

The Dare Elementary School Earth Kids Club (EKC) conducted a fundraiser to support the "Bring Back the Monarchs" program. As a result of the fundraiser, "Coins for Conservation", students collected $254 dollars for the Monarch Watch organization. That organization will use these funds to collect seeds and grow, distribute, and plant milkweeds across the country.

Hands-On Science "Charges" Students and Parents

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

Grafton Bethel Elementary School students in Mrs. Hays' fourth grade class participated in hands-on science activities assisted by parents and friends. The lesson on electricity and magnetism included property of magnets, finding the north pole of magnets and static charges.

Title I Snowman Party at MES

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

On Thursday, January 17, 2013, students, parents and teachers enjoyed participating in a variety of activities relating to reading and writing at Magruder Elementary School (MES). Students made snowman cards and wrote letters inside them. Students also played snowman board games where students identified letters, words or read sentences depending on their grade level. Students listened as Mrs. Murawski, a kindergarten teacher at MES, read Sneezy the Snowman. Afterwards, students decorated snowmen on the computer. The fun didn't stop there though! Students followed directions and made melting snowman cookies by working with their peers to share supplies. When they finished, students enjoyed eating their delicious cookies as a snack. Parents and students had a wonderful time traveling from station to station as they participated in activities centered on reading and writing at MES.

York County PTA Reflections Winners

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

A special thank you to all of the participants in the 2012-2013 Reflections contest this year. This competition's theme was "The Magic of A Moment." The annual contest is sponsored by the York County Council PTA/PTSA in conjunction with the National PTA. Students throughout the York County School Division submitted original entries at their school level in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film/Video Production, Musical Composition, Literature, Photography and Visual Arts. Each category is broken down into four divisions of competition - Primary (Preschool - grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle (Grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12). All entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, mastery of the medium and interpretation of the theme. Student entries that placed 1st at the school level then moved onto the County level. First place winners at the County level advanced to the District level for a chance to move onto the state and then national levels. This year, seven students advanced to the State level competition. Congratulations to all of our winners!

Title I Schools Recognized for High Achievement

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has recognized four York County School Division schools for raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students. Bethel Manor Elementary Schools is one of just nine schools statewide to earn the recognition as a Title Highly Distinguished School for exceeding all state and federal accountability benchmarks and achieve average scores on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in English and mathematics at or above the 85th percentile. 37 more schools were named Title I Distinguished schools for meeting all state and federal accountability requirements for and achieving average reading and mathematics SOL scores at 60th percentile or higher, including: Dare Elementary, Seaford Elementary, and Waller Mill Elementary. The awards are based upon student achievement on state assessments during the 2011-2012 and 2010-2011 school years. A full listing of schools recognized this year is available on the VDOE website.

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Buckley's fifth grade class at Magruder Elementary School were testing a chemical reaction by using hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, liquid dish soap, yeast and warm water. Together they made a foamy soap that the decided to call “Elephant's Toothpaste” because it looks like toothpaste being squeezed from the tube.

Read 2 Me in Kindergarten

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Mr. Len Donvito, Coordinator of Instructional Technology for YCSD, has implemented a story sharing program with classes in the school division. Grafton Bethel Elementary School students are listening to interactive stories with Mr. Donvito through the Elluminate media. Students in Mrs. Thompson's kindergarten class learned new vocabulary while they enjoyed the story of Mama Mama Llama Drama. Mrs. Carrie Mokry, Grafton Bethel's educational technology facilitator assisted these young 21st century students as they accessed the technology in their classrooms.

Third Grade Moon Project

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Mount Vernon Elementary School teachers are incorporating great techniques to help prepare students for the new Science Standards of Learning assessments. Students in Mrs. Gregory's third grade class are creating the different phases of the moon using Oreo cookies.

Grafton Bethel Reflections Winners

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Grafton Bethel PTA held a reception for this year’s Reflections Winners. Through Reflections, PTA recognizes students for their artistic efforts at local, regional, state and national levels. Congratulations to all the students who depicted the "Magic of the Moment" in various media.

Tabb Middle School Students Make District Band

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Congratulations to the following students for being selected for District Band: Jiyon Kim, Justin Khalil, Myles Baldwin, Phil Archer, Stephen Smith, Ronnie Difulvio, Lisanne Pearson, Erica Kelly and Alek Kowalczyk. These students went through a grueling audition process and competed against all of the middle schools in our entire area. They will be participating in the District Band event the first week of February. Congratulations again!!!

Rainbow Puppets Visit Magruder Elementary School

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Rainbow Puppets put on a spectacular production of The Search for Gold Friday, January 11 at Magruder Elementary School. In the story, the puppet team is following a treasure map in hopes of finding treasure and gold. Along the way, they learn that respect and trust for one another is the greatest treasure of all. Among the stories and skits told were "The Wall," a tale of a mouse, a giraffe, and an elephant who must use their unique skills to survive in Africa. The performers were very entertaining and the students enjoyed singing, dancing, and learning along with the puppets. Rainbow Puppets shared their golden rule with students; treat others the way you want to be treated. The rule came at a prime time, since MES is celebrating their bully-free month and is ready to kick off their bully-free week on Monday. We hope to see them again next year!

YMS Student Repeats as Geographic Bee Winner

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Kevin Babu, an 8th grade student at Yorktown Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 for the second straight year. Second place went to 8th grader Ryan Jordan, and third place was secured by 7th grader Zion Rowe.

The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 25th Annual National Geographic Bee. The Bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The school winners, including Kevin, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in the state Bee on April 5, 2013.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the national Geographic Bee national championship on May 20-22, 2013. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society and a trip to the Galapagos Islands courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society.

GMS Students on YouTube!

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School students collaborate as they work on their GMS Reads book review for GMS's You Tube Channel. GMS students will be able to scan library books to view book reviews created by students at GMS.

Tabb Middle School Students Recycle Old Cell Phones to Benefit Breast Cancer Foundation

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in Don Todd's 1B Technology Education class collected old cell phones as part of their transformative learning project. The phones will be recycled and the class decided monies will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Queens Lake Cheerleaders Take 3 First Places At Cheering Competition

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Queens Lake Middle School Cheerleading team had an outstanding performance at the recent Bay Rivers District Cheerleading Competition. The Panthers scored first place in the sideline competition, first place in the time out competition and finished as the first place team overall, bringing home three of a possible four trophies.

Elementary and Middle Magnet School Information Sessions

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The York County School Division will hold several informational sessions for magnet programs for 2013-2014 school year in February. Magnet programs offer a specialized focus in the curriculum or a distinctive type of environment or instruction, and serve students from across the division.

Magnet school brochures and applications will be available at each presentation. Completed applications for the 2013-2014 school year must be received by the school principal no later than 4 p.m. on March 22, 2013. Applications will be available in all elementary and middle school offices beginning February 7, 2013. Please note: Students who are currently in an elementary or middle magnet school do not need to reapply each year.

York County School Division 2013 Science Fair Winners Announced

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The York County School Division is pleased to announce the winners in the York County School Division Science Fair. This year’s theme, "What if I..." challenged students to ask new questions and investigate a wide range of topics.

First, second, and third place winners are invited to apply to participate in the regional Tidewater Science Fair held at Old Dominion University on Saturday March 16, 2013.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the fair and a sincere thank you to the science teachers who encouraged and guided students throughout the scientific process.

Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Awards

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Lottery and the Virginia PTA are planning to honor local teachers who meet the distinction of “Super Teacher.” The sixth annual Virginia Lottery Super Teacher awards will help shine a spotlight on a valuable Virginia resource: dedicated and talented public school teachers who really make a difference in shaping young lives. Do you know a York County School Division teacher who should be named the next “Super Teacher” in Virginia? The Lottery is seeking nominations for any K-12 Virginia public school teacher for the Super Teacher awards. Eight winners will be chosen. Each award consists of a prize of $2,000 and an additional $2,000 classroom credit from Virginia-based The Supply Room Companies. This year, all eight Super Teacher schools will qualify for a second contest. One school will be chosen to win an ADDITIONAL $5,000 credit from The Supply Room Companies to purchase items for the entire school. The school will be selected through a Facebook contest.

Anyone 18 or older can nominate a teacher by completing a nomination form and writing a short essay. Official rules and nomination forms are available at www.vasuperteacher.com. Nominations must be made by February 15, 2013. The winners will then be selected on the strength of their nominations.

Future Scientists Present Their Research Findings at Tabb Science Fair

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students from Tabb High School participated in the THS Annual Science Fair on Monday December 17, 2012 in the THS cafeteria. The event provided students with a venue to present their research and an opportunity to interact with real scientists and individuals with STEM careers. The judges provided valuable feedback and encouragement for the young scientists.

Science Instructor and Science Fair Coordinator Ms. Joyce Kuberek, organized the events for the students. She secured members from our own science community to critique the students' work. At the conclusion of the event, 57 students (individual and teams) were afforded the opportunity to continue on to the York County School Division Science Fair on Wednesday, January 16, 2013.

A reception was held in the THS cafeteria for the participants on Tuesday January 9, 2013, with ribbons presented by Principal Angela Seiders and Science Department Chair Rachel McBride to the winning projects. The Tabb PTSA provided refreshments for the event and treats for the winners making the presentations of awards even more special for the students. Ms. Michelle Gazarik, THS PTSA Science Fair Liaison presented winners with treats from the PTSA and was also instrumental in judging and securing judges from the science community for the science fair.

Grafton Middle School Art Students Get 'Into Character' with Clay Masks

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Students in Karen Covington's Sculpture and Crafts class made masks out of clay and then decorated using paint, yarn, and other materials. The students learned about masks from around the world and their many uses such as disguise, protection, storytelling/getting "into character", and honoring our ancestors. Students spent two days creating and shaping the masks and one day decorating.

TMS French Students Exchange with Students from France

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The French II students at Tabb Middle School have been exchanging videos and emails with students who live in a small town near Toulouse, France. The students received a box from their pen-pals which included holiday cards, gifts and French chocolates. The students have been learning a lot about French culture through this exchange.

Fashion Show Sparkles at Tabb

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Tabb High School's Fashion Marketing Department hosted its' 5th Annual Fashion Show for a Cause, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Thursday December 6th 2012. It consisted of a wide range of styles in clothing, music and inspiration. The theme was Winter Wonderland, and included scenes of clothing you would wear to: school, work, a ski vacation, a tropical getaway and also a formal wear portion of the show. Hair and makeup were provided by Regency Beauty Institute, formal clothing borrowed from Ames Tuxedos and David's Bridal, and music from DJ Howard Alexander of Colonial DJs. This event raised over $1,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Team Amanda.

YFPE Grant Aids in Microscope Lab

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

The York Foundation for Public Education, Inc. Technology grant allowed the science department at York High to purchase video screen microscopes. The microscopes were being used by students to calculate the size of a cell and the number of cells in one grain of yeast. The microscopes will allow the students to collaborate more during microscope labs. In addition, students also used the SD card function and took digital photos for a photography project.

Seaford Students Reach Out to Sandy Hook Elementary

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary pre-schoolers made snowflakes to send to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut. Sandy Hook's PTA will be using these snowflakes to transform the hallways of their temporary school building into a winter wonderland. The children also wrote their names in a card to send along with the snowflakes!

Decorating Gingerbread Houses at YES

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

All five first grade classes at Yorktown Elementary School celebrated the holiday season by rotating classes, making gingerbread crafts, listening to variations of the gingerbread stories, and tasting samples of gingerbread. As a culmination to the activities, all students decorated their own gingerbread houses to take home.

Tabb Middle School Students Visit York Convalescent

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

As part of their transformative project, Lisa Spruill’s Public Speaking class researched what life was like in the 40’s and 50’s. Based on their research, they wrote a set of questions to the residents at the York Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. After the field trip, the students returned to the library to type up the information that they collected from their interviews and presented the findings to their classmates.

Donation to Yorktown Elementary

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

In the spirit of giving for the holiday season, Patrick Walsh and his company, The Vacation Channel, raised money for a family in need in the Hampton Roads area. He created a raffle contest at his company’s annual holiday party and collected $220 to donate to a family at Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School in York County. Patrick is pictured presenting a check to his fiancé, Kendal Fuoti, and some of her fifth grade students at Yorktown Elementary.

Seaford Annual Sing-A-Long

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seaford held its annual sing-a-long organized by their music teacher Judy Mitchell. All grade levels sang together, as well as, performing their own song and playing different instruments.

First Grade Goes Grinch

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

First graders at Seaford Elementary celebrated Grinch Day on December 18, 2012. The day incorporated fun and learning! The students rotated centers which included: measuring the Grinch with non-standard and standard measurement, following cardinal directions to pin a heart on the grinch, as well as, conducting a scientific experiment to create Grinch Goo! In the classroom the students did word work with green noodles and grinch glue. The students incorporated their art class by creating a Who-ville village with their art teacher, Ms. Progar.

Students Produce Goods for Bazaar

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

This year, as third graders at Seaford Elementary School learn about economic concepts, they are also in the business of teaching second graders about the concepts they need to learn in second grade. In the Holiday Bazaar project, the students are operating as small businesses within each classroom to produce holiday decorative goods which they will sell to second grade consumers. Students have recorded a resources song for second graders, produced their goods and will be creating advertisements, both video and poster, focusing on descriptive and persuasive writing that will be posted online and around the school. During the Bazaar, students will have to sell and respond to the market's demands. As the project concludes, students will write magazine articles about the project to send off to the "publisher" - a great time is being had by all!

SCA Appreciates York County Firefighters

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Student Council members from YHS, YMS, SES and YES worked together to create gift bags for firefighters working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The students decorated the bags, wrote thank you cards and stuffed the bags full of goodies.

The Sock Project

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Members of the Fine Arts, Practical Arts and Physical Education Departments at Tabb High combined their efforts to collects socks for those in need over the holidays. Each department focused on their area of expertise. Signs were created, contests publicized, socks were collected from classrooms and additional donations brought in from the community during the Band and Choral Concerts resulting in the grand "Sock Sculpture" now on display in the THS Commons. The sculpture will be broken down and socks paired and presented to veterans and elderly in need.

G'Day Mates!

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Mrs. Burger's 1st grade class from Coventry Elementary has been learning about animals from Down Under (Australia). During their study they have shared emails about life in the United States with someone who lives in Australia. They also shared a skype session with Mrs. Barnett's English Class at York High School. A student from YHS read the book Edward the Emu to Mrs. Burger's 1st graders.

CES K-Kids Make Cookies for Langley Airmen's Cookie Drive

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Elementary K-Kids recently made cookies for the Langley Airmen's Cookie Drive. The Cookie Drive provides cookies to over 900 airmen living in the dorms.

Coventry Elementary Girls On The Run Food Bank Drive

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Members of the Girls on The Run from Coventry Elementary School are collecting canned food for the Peninsula Food Bank. They have collected 400+ cans so far, with more on the way.

Yorktown Middle School Citizens of the Month

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School recognizes students each month during the school year who have shown exemplary behavior or outstanding character for that month.

Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as YMS Citizens of the Month for November: Anapatricia Lugo, Kevin Harlow, Anya Johnson, Ryan Jordan, Kevin Babu, Aidan Kocsis, Travis Jones, Zoe Brandt, Tanya Faktes, Jaha Bonds, Taylor Matzgannis-Brewer, Taylor Dziechciarz, and Kylee Hockaday.

Tabb Elementary Visits Egypt

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

The second graders in Mrs. Marley Keefer's class at Tabb Elementary completed their Egypt unit by making and dressing as ancient Egyptians. The boys wore Pharaoh crowns symbolizing the colors for Upper and Lower Egypt, while the girls wore Cleopatra wigs adorned with the cobra. All the children wore cartouches they created on the computers - necklaces with Egyptian hieroglyphics spelling out their names. The students in this photo are modeling costumes from the Peninsula Fine Arts Museum.

Jamestown Comes to Coventry

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Fourth graders at Coventry Elementary School took an amazing trip back in time, right in their own classrooms. Students played colonial games, learned how to write with quill pens and even churned butter as part of their study of Jamestown. Many children and teachers even dressed in traditional clothing as part of this annual event.

TABB DECA Brings Home the Gold

Fri, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Tabb High School joined the rest of District 25 DECA at the District Leadership Conference on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Thomas Nelson Community College. DECA Members competed in competency based events relating curriculum and on-the-job training in case problem role play situations. Students had to solve the problem and present their solutions to the judge. Students placing in the top three overall in each event will travel to DECA State Leadership Conference in March 2013.

Representing Tabb and District 25 DECA at the VA State Leadership Conference March 1-3 in Virginia Beach will be: Rachel Deyerle in Retail Merchandising, Logan Lancaster and Courtney Taylor in Hotel/Lodging Management, Sarah Burkett in Full Service Restaurant Management, and Hannah Dun in Business Finance.

TES Legislative Visit

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Delegate Gordon Helsel, (R) 91ST District, joined York County School Board Vice-Chair Page Minton and Superintendent Eric Williams in a walk-through of Tabb Elementary School. The group visited classrooms to see first-hand how teachers implement various strategies to engage students in their curriculum.

Title I Gingerbread Workshop at MES

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Magruder Elementary School hosted a Title I Gingerbread Workshop for kindergarten, first and second grade Title I students. Students were reading and following directions together to do a fun activity of decorating gingerbread houses. After that, students and families had dinner together.

Mt. Vernon Elementary Parfait Power T-shirt and E-Reader Winners

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

On December 4th, ARAMARK at York County School Division began the new Parfait Power promotion in all of its elementary schools. The Southeast Dairy Association (SUDIA), helps school districts integrate yogurt, smoothies and parfaits into school nutrition while continuing to meet the new United States Department of Agriculture’s regulations regarding lunch offered in schools. Healthy fruit, whole grain cereal and low-fat yogurt will ensure that students are within the maximum guidelines while offering an option more pleasing to the students. Students who purchased parfaits on December 4, 2012 were entered into drawings, sponsored by ARAMARK, for t-shirts and other prizes.

Empty Bowls for a Good Cause

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Bruton High School (BHS) and School of the Arts students learned about the issue of hunger, as well as about different types of clay pots while participating in the Empty Bowls project this year. Students then sold bowls at the Evening of the Arts on Thursday, Dec 6, 2013. Beth Jones, art teacher at BHS, led the project.

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and was created by The Imagine Render Group. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to buy bowls as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. Together the students collected over $1,000 to donate to the Peninsula Food Bank and The Salvation Army.

YCSD Science Fair 2013

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

The York County School Division Science Fair 2013, "What if I...", will be held January 16th at the Grafton School Complex. Student registration and set up begins at 4 p.m. at Grafton Middle School. Junior division projects will be displayed in the middle school atrium and senior division projects will be displayed in the middle school cafeteria. Grafton High School Athletic Boosters will have concessions available for sale.

Judging will begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude at 7:15 p.m. All student exhibits will be open for public viewing from 7:15 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will be held in the Grafton High School Auditorium at 8 p.m. All exhibits will be dismantled beginning at 9 p.m.

Grafton High School Toys for Tots Drive

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Grafton High School Key Club held a toy drive to collect toys in support of the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Their desire and dream to give a Merry Christmas to those in need led to a successful drive that enabled them to collect enough toys to over stuff the Marine's van. The students wish to thank everyone who supported them and they extend their most heartfelt wishes to you for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Grafton Senior is NHRP Scholar Recipient

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Congratulations to Grafton High School Senior, Chloe Youtsey. Chloe was recently recognized as a 2012-2013 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) Scholar Recipient. The NHRP was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. This year, the NHRP is recognizing about 5,000 Hispanic/Latino high school students selected from a pool of over 253,000 who took the 2011 PSAT. Students received the NHRP Scholars Award have achieved a minimum PSAT score for their region and have a 3.5 or higher GPA.

YCSD Students Featured on WTKR

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

Waller Mill Elementary students will be the first of several York County School Division groups to be featured in WTKR’s annual student holiday performance features. The WMES performance will be shown during the Friday, December 07, 2012 newscast and again on December 25, 2012. Additional student performances will also be featured throughout the holiday season.

Farm Bureau Women's Committee Donates Learning Barn

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

The CC-JC-NK-YK County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee donated a “Learning Barn” to Bethel Manor Elementary School in York County, December 4, 2012. Pictured with the Learning Barn is Ms. Gallagher’s second grade class. Attending the presentation from the Farm Bureau were Norman Hofmeyer, Vice-President, Gloria Beil and Dottie Hofmeyer, Women’s Committee. York County representatives present, Dr. Eric Williams, Superintendent of Schools and Dr. Kathryn Patterson, Instructional Specialist for English. Dr. Betsy Poulson, Principal, Kelly Prats, Librarian and Jen Gallagher, second grade teacher from Bethel Manor were also present.

The purpose of Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Program is to promote agriculture and educate our communities on the importance of the agriculture industry. We work with VA Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC), a nonprofit affiliate of Virginia Farm Bureau that promotes the understanding of agriculture through education. AITC works with local county Farm Bureaus and other volunteer organizations to promote the donation of Learning Barns to schools. The Learning Barn is a book case built to look like a barn and stocked with 25-30 agriculture-related books.

During the presentation Dr. Williams read “Down on the Farm: Pigs” by Hannah Roy to Ms. Gallagher’s second grade class.

Mt. Vernon Mustangs Sing at the Yorktown Tree Lighting Ceremony

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

The Mt. Vernon Elementary Mustang Chorus sang at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Yorktown, VA on November 30. They performed a concert of Holiday music at the Victory Monument.

2012 QLMS Science Fair Winners

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

Computer Science: 1st Place - Andrew Roberts, 2nd Place - Emily Peterson; Earth & Planetary Science: 1st Place - Annabelle Hicks, 2nd Place Lauren Tanner; Medicine and Health: 1st Place - Sam Malmquist; Environmental Science: 1st Place - Sarah Little; Plant Sciences: 1st Place - Jenny Schuster, 2nd Place - Lilly deJager, 3rd Place - Karsen Vawter; Engineering: 1st Place - Matt deJager, 2nd Place - Alex Boscana, 3rd Place Parker Slack, HM - Erin Schoff; Chemistry: 1st Place - Alex Arnette, 2nd Place - Mitch deJager, 3rd Place - Sarah Sharlette, HM - Jacqueline Lerman, HM - Chase McBurnette; Physics and Astronomy: 1st Place - Tori Nguyen, 2nd Place - Lilly Weddle, 3rd Place - Emily Slack, HM - Maleea Santiago, HM - Kayleigh Skaggs; Behavioral and Social Sciences: 1st Place - Jacob Cook, 2nd Place - Jill Seward, 3rd Place - Abbie Menge, HM - Elena Evans; Animal Science: 1st - Clara Wincheski, 2nd - Claire Alvarez, 3rd - Charlotte Bieri

Seaford Kindergartners Explore Native Americans

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

Seaford students in Mrs. Elder's kindergarten class explore Native Americans and learn about Powhatan and Pocahontas.

Yorktown Elementary "Partners in Print" Orientation Workshop

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

The Reading Team at Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School sponsored a very successful “Partners in Print” Orientation Workshop on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 5:00 -7:00 pm. in the school cafeteria. Students, parents, and teachers shared an evening learning how a three way partnership helps children learn and develop to their full potential. Families were served dinner, enjoyed a special program, got to select 5 books as well as a book box to start a home library, and got to decorate a special reading bag to bring with them each time they return to a “Partners in Print” evening. Future workshops will be titled “Working with Words and Letters”, “The Reading and Writing Connection”, “Developing Fluency”, “Read In”, and “ Family Game Night”.

Legislative Visit

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Local state legislators headed back to school on Monday, November 26, 2012. Senator John Miller and Delegate Brenda Pogge toured Waller Mill Elementary School as part of a statewide initiative to encourage elected officials to visit at least one school in their district this month. "Take Your Legislator to School" Month is coordinated annually by the Virginia School Board Association and the Governor.

French Exchange Students Visit Queens Lake Middle School

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) welcomed 48 French students to the school on Tuesday, October 30th. The students were in Williamsburg for 8 days through an exchange program. Most of the students were housed with QLMS students during their time here. On October 30th, the students and their teachers, from Jeanne d'Arc Middle School in France, shadowed students and observed many classes. Students in French 2 served as tour guides at the end of the school day. They also served refreshments and led a reflection in which students compared their two schools. Over their week in Williamsburg, the French exchange students also visited Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, New Quarter Park, and the college of William and Mary. They also celebrated Halloween with their host families and spent several additional days visiting New York City and Washington DC. Our students made life-long friendships.

Coventry Elementary Kindergarten's Thanksgiving Feast

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Kindergarten students at Coventry Elementary school celebrated Thanksgiving by holding a Thanksgiving feast at their school. In preparation for the feast, students learned the past and present, developed their map skills to trace the settlers’ voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, made pilgrim and Indian costumes, and made and shared a meal together to connect with the past.

Author Presents Mini-Writing Workshop for YMS 7th Grade English Classes

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

On November 9, Virginia Beach author, Sharon Cindrich, presented a mini-writing workshop for students of 7th grade English teachers Melissa Schreiber and Lori Breon. She shared how she became a writer and had students practice strategies to get their writing started. Students collaborated and shared their results. At the end of the presentation, Ms. Cindrich provided the Yorktown Middle School library with copies of her most recent books, A Smart Girl's Guide to Style and A Smart Girl's Guide to the Internet.

The "Birds" Adapt!

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Bauer's and Mrs. Hays' fourth grade class learned about animal adaptations and survival by trying to find enough food for themselves. Their adaptations were various kitchen tools that simulated beaks. Students were also exposed to “predators” and “poisons” as they tried to survive.

Title I Makes Little Gobblers at Magruder Elementary

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Magruder Elementary School’s Title I sponsored a fun activity where students made little gobblers with parents and other adults. Title I usually holds a crafty project for their students at least once a quarter in the library for family members to attend.

Food Drive at Grafton Middle School

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

The Builders' Club sponsored a Food Drive at Grafton Middle School and collected 1856 items for the Food Closet at St. Lukes.

Stone Soup Performance

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Mrs. Siegel’s 2nd grade class read several versions of the story Stone Soup and then performed a reader’s theater version for parents. They also made stone soup for the class to share. The theme of the story is community and sharing. To go along with the theme, the class collected canned goods to be donated to a local food pantry.

Queens Lake Middle School PTA Reflections Contest Results

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

The winners for the Queens Lake Middle School Reflections Contest are below: Category of Dance Choreography: 1st Place - Cailin McCummings, 2nd Place - Caroline Brown, 3rd Place - Kaitlyn Audrey; Category of Film/Video Production: 1st Place - Danielle Morgan, 2nd Place - Cailin McCummings, 3rd Place - Elena Evans; Category of Literature: 1st Place - Lauren Tanner, 2nd Place - Sarah Old, 3rd Place - Evan Lynch; Category of Musical Composition: 1st Place - Alex Arnette; Category of Photography: 1st Place - Elena Evans, 2nd Place - Sam Richardson & Sarah Sharlette, 3rd Place - Amanda Trahant & Cailin McCummings; Category of Visual Arts: 1st Place - Amanda Trahant, 2nd Place - Katya Mikhailova, 3rd Place - Meghan Corder, HM Ylexis Bradley, Lacy McLain, & Clara Wincheski. Congratulations to these students and good luck to our 1st place winners who now move forward to compete in the York County competition.

Queens Lake Middle School Does Pasta for Pennies

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

The QLMS SCA recently concluded the Pasta for Pennies drive, supporting the LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society). The Student Council Association decided to strive to bring in $1,750, which was three hundred more than was raised last year. Through the efforts of all homerooms, the total amount raised was $2,250.97! Eight homerooms raised over $100, while two raised over $200, one homeroom raised over $300, and another raised over $400.

Third Graders at GBES Organize Holiday Collection for the Troops

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

As an outgrowth of a third grade social studies project on Veterans Day, students in third grade at Grafton Bethel organized a collection of seasonal items to send to the troops for the holidays. Seventeen boxes are being shipped to the Support2theTroops organization. Items collected included holiday candy, cards, gift wrap, bows, videos, cards made by the students, stockings, holiday decorations, and a huge handcrafted flag.

Queens Lake Middle School Volunteers

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Students from Queens Lake Middle School volunteered with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was a fun filled day for all.

Classroom Winners in the GBES Spell-a-thon

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Mrs. Machie's third grade class was the top fundraiser in the 8th annual Grafton Bethel Spell-a-thon. Zanecia Patrick, a second grader, was the top individual fundraiser. Students at GBES participated by taking their spelling test and collecting pledges based on their scores. Students raised over $20,000 which will support many programs and events sponsored by the PTA.

Author John Stephens Visits

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

On Monday, November 19, John Stephens, author of The Emerald Atlas and The Fire Chronicle visited with students at Tabb Middle School and Grafton Bethel Elementary School to share his experiences that led to creating his novels. Afterwards, Mr. Stephens signed copies of his book.

Seaford SCA Hosts Canned Food Drive

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary hosted their annual canned food drive reaching out to all students and staff to donate canned food. This year 1,927 items were collected and donated to the York County Food Bank.

Grafton High Students Placed 1st and 2nd at Stock Market Challenge

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Grafton High School teams competed against 5 other schools and a total of 27 teams at the recent Virginia Stock Market Challenge. At the event, teams of four are issued $500,000 in mock trading dollars that they use to purchase fictitious stock prior to the opening bell. Once the event has begun, every 80 seconds is a new day on the stock-trading floor! There are 60 days of trading in total. Teams must track their stocks. They must then act accordingly, purchasing or selling stocks by attracting a "floor trader". The "traders" roam the room with hand held computers that automatically send teams orders via wireless transmissions instantly into the system. Trades are reflected immediately on the three large projection screens, which track stock prices, leading teams and graphical depictions of stock performance. At the end of the event, the team with the highest portfolio value wins an award.

Jamestown Visits Seaford Elementary

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Iris Otey from the Jamestown Outreach Program came to speak with Seaford second graders.

Seaford's Chrome Club Designs with Marshmallows

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Seaford's Chrome club explored engineering. The students are working on building the tallest building using marshmallows and toothpicks.

Fourth Graders Support Our Veterans

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Fourth graders at Grafton Bethel Elementary School showed their support for our Veterans by "hand-crafting" an American flag with their greetings. This flag will be sent to our troops through our "Support The Troops" collection spearheaded by our third graders.

Yorktown Middle School Citizens of the Month

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:30:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School (YMS) recognizes students each month during the school year who have shown exemplary behavior or outstanding character for that month. Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as YMS Citizens of the Month for October: Darcy France, Andrew Jamerson, Daniel Hodges, Zion Rowe, Jarrett Medford, Matthew Nettleton, Jillian Honig, Cale Overstreet, Noah Beach, Tajalek Brown, Sincere Lyon, Caleb Taylor, and Johnny Turbeville.

Coventry Elementary School Choral Performance

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:30:00 EST

4th graders at Coventry Elementary School performing in the choral program Hey! What'cha Doin? directed by Robin McDonough.

Stock Market Game at Yorktown Elementary

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:30:00 EST

There are more than 240 teams in the state of Virginia playing the Stock Market Game and Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School has two teams in the Top Ten. Mrs. Kirsten McLeod, Math Resource Teacher, reports that both teams are from Mrs. Reilly’s fourth grade classroom. The “game” gives students the chance to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in an on-line portfolio. Students work together in teams to select companies in which to invest, teaching them collaboration and financial skills.

Grafton High School Working to Fight Hunger

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:25:00 EST

Grafton High School (GHS) students are inviting the entire community to join their efforts to increase awareness of hunger and related issues with their Empty Bowls project. Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger. Participants create ceramic bowls and then serve a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a small donation, guests choose one of the ceramic bowls to keep as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world. GHS’s Empty Bowls night will be held on December 13, 2012 from 2:30-6:30. All the proceeds will be donated to the Food Pantry of York/Poquoson County.

"I am Unafraid" Anti-bullying Message Shared at Queens Lake

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:20:00 EST

On November 9th, at Queens Lake Middle School, Dr. Jay Banks presented his "I am Unafraid" anti-bullying message. The program is based on a four-point strategy designed to educate and equip students. Using letters from the word “unafraid,” Banks’ program teaches students to remember the acronym AFRA. Students are taught to: A – avoid bullies, F – find a friend, R – report bullies, and A – act confident. As for the remaining letters in the word “unafraid,” Banks said students will have a new “ID” when the program is completed and they can live unafraid.

Seaford Holds Mock Election

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:20:00 EST

Seaford 5th grade students held a presidential mock election on Monday, Nov.5th. They set up the polling station in the computer lab and put political signs at the entrance. Students in grades Kindergarten through fifth participated, as well as, the teachers and administration. The results were Romney 66% and Obama 34%.

Seaford Students Silly String Mrs. Head

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:15:00 EST

Seaford Elementary School’s PTA held its 3rd Annual Walk-A-Thon this fall and raised $21,742. Mrs. Wendy Jones’ class raised the most money, over $1,850.00. Students were awarded prizes at an assembly on November 9, 2012. Students were recognized for most laps walked and most money raised. Additional prizes were raffled for all participants. Overall, the students and staff walked more than 500 miles while raising money for the school. As a reward for exceeding our goal of $20,000, students got to spray Principal Christina Head with Silly String.

Seaford Elementary Fifth Grade Teachers Awarded Scholarship

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:10:00 EST

The fifth grade teachers at Seaford Elementary applied for a scholarship from Liebherr America in Newport News, Virginia. Joey Stratton, a representative from the company, awarded a $500 check to Seaford Elementary School to purchase a new iPad for use in the classroom. The iPad will be used in conjunction with existing technology at Seaford to support our students as 21st century learners. The York County School Division inspires transformative learning which impacts the local and/or global community. Technology is used to extend student learning to the community outside of our school walls.

YCSD Earns National Award

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

The York County School Division recently received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada, the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. This is the 14th consecutive year the school division has been honored for its annual budget.

In a press release announcing the award, the GFOA said, "The award represents a significant achievement by (YCSD). It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting."

The GFOA has presented a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation to Dennis Jarrett, Chief Financial Officer. Award recipients are recognized as having pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting as an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. Budgets that are honored are considered good communication tools that explain the budget process, how money is spent, and the connection between spending/investments and the organization's purpose.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

Notice of Public Hearing

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Monday, November 19, 2012, at 7 p.m., the York County School Board will conduct a public hearing on the Division’s FY14 Capital Improvements Plan at York Hall, corner of Main and Ballard streets, Yorktown, VA., to receive comments from the public. A copy of this proposed plan is on file and may be viewed online at yorkcountyschools.org or at the York County Public Library, the Williamsburg Public Library, the James City County Public Library, and the York County School Board Office, 302 Dare Rd., Yorktown, VA, during regular business hours.

SEAC Meeting Scheduled

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) will meet next Thursday, November 15th, at 7:00 p.m. in the library at Queens Lake Middle School. This month’s presentation will be on YCSD Transition Services: The Model Transition Program and ACE-IT. SEAC welcomes parents, teachers, and all who are interested in Special Education to join us.

Breast Cancer Awareness Supported by Seaford Elementary Kindergarteners

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary honored Breast Cancer Awareness through the month of October. Students in Mrs. Livingston's class all wore pink to show their support.

School of the Arts Students Bring Home Honors

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

SOA students and staff recently participated in the Virginia Theatre Conference in Reston, Virginia. This conference has workshops, college auditions, and competitions for students across the state. When students do well in these contests, they are then invited to the South Eastern Theatre Conference which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in March. SOA had several winners at the conference. SOA Teacher, Sarah Dixon won best director in the state; students Cole Francum, Carrie Holovach and Claire Schuman won best acting awards. Congratulations to all SOA winners.

LEGO Champions

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Bethel’s Lego Team competed in regional competition at Crittenden Middle School on Saturday, November 3, 2012. The team prepared for this competition for two months by preparing a skit "Senior Survivors" in which they presented many ways that senior citizens can stay fit and healthy. Their invention was a special bed that would "lift and slide" seniors out gently, with a special red button that would remind them of their medications and also send interactive health vital signs to their medical providers. The team will now advance to the Tri-State Competition in Harrisonburg at James Madison University in December.

Seaford Elementary Pumpkin Predictions

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seaford first graders got messy to make a variety of measurements of three different pumpkins. Student made predictions in their class about the pumpkins and then investigated their pumpkins in the cafeteria. Students predicted the seed count, weight, height, circumference, and number of ribs of three different size pumpkins. Students also made their own pumpkin t-shirts to be worn on Pumpkin Day!

Grafton High School Vote in National Student Mock Election

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Students and teachers at Grafton High School (GHS) took part in a national mock election on October 31st and November 1st. Students used a state-of-the art online voting system as they participated in a mock election program sponsored by the Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI), a national civic education program based at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. With approximately one million students expected to vote nationwide during the two-week voting period from October 22-November 1, the YLI Mock Election is the largest secure, student-only online mock election in the nation.

Grafton High School set up 8 voting stations using iPads for students to vote electronically in the YLI Mock Election. Students voted in the Virginia U.S. Senators, Virginia U.S. Representative in District 1 as well as the Presidential Election. At the end of the two days, 1149 students participated and were part of the 600,000 students from all 50 states that had their voted counted in this National Mock Election effort.

Yorktown Middle School Field Hockey wins Bay Rivers District Championship

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Field Hockey team won the Bay Rivers District Championship on Friday. They beat the previously undefeated Page Middle School by a score of 2 to 1. The win highlighted an outstanding season for the Lady Falcons with two notable accomplishments. The first was winning the championship for the first time in YMS history. Second, the Falcon team raised over $3000 for the American Cancer Society. The Falcons and Grafton Middle School Clippers played a game in which all proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society. This amount more than doubled the previous two years combined donations for the 'Play for the Cure' games. The Falcons are coached by Cathy St. Mary, Phil Sheldon and Brooke Rowe.

School Board Resolution

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

At the regular October meeting, the York County School Board approved a resolution urging Congress and the Administration to amend the Budget Control Act as it relates to sequestration. The resolution and letters have been shared with elected officials representing York County.

Third Grade Teachers of MES Awarded Innovative Instructional Grant

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Thursday, November 1st third grade teachers and administrators of Magruder Elementary School were awarded a check from the York Foundation for Public Education for the Innovative Instructional grant. The teachers and administrators were also the winners of the Union First Market Bank Innovative Grant of Mathematical Instruction. Congratulations to these well deserving women. We look forward to seeing what great things these teachers will do with their students at MES.

York Star Zedekiah Lodge Donates School Supplies to Yorktown Middle School

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Liaison Sherman Hill present donated school supplies to YMS principal Dr. Susan Hutton. Wishful Master Joseph Brown initiated the donation to ensure that YMS students would have necessary supplies.

Science Lessons? Perhaps; Harvest Festival, Yes!

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

GBES PTA sponsored the Fall Harvest Festival with crafts, a hayride and an old-fashioned cider press. Students had the experience of chopping and pressing apples and learned about simple machines and changing solids to liquids as the apples were pressed to make fresh apple cider.

Preschool Pumpkins at Seaford Elementary

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

The new IPOP program at Seaford Elementary enfolds itself in Seaford's seasonal traditions. Each classroom decorates a pumpkin to be auctioned at Seaford PTA's "Pizza and Pumpkin" night. The proceeds from the auction benefit Relay for Life. The "Cat in the Hat" pumpkin is being submitted by the AM preschool class.

Freedom Shrine Dedication

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

The York Exchange Club donated a Freedom Shrine to Mt. Vernon Elementary School. Del. Gordon Helsel of the 91st District was the guest speaker at the dedication of the Shrine.

GBES students go RED!

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Abigail Payne and Lorelei Carney were mirror images as they dressed in "red" for Red Ribbon Week at Grafton Bethel.

YES Penny Harvest to Benefit Lackey Free Clinic

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

From October 22nd to October 26th, students at Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School competed against each other collecting pennies to benefit the Lackey Free Clinic in Yorktown. All pennies collected counted for a grade level's total, while silver coins and bills counted against a designated grade. The grade level in first place each day was usually targeted by other grades in a healthy competition to count donated money against the leader.

By Friday morning, the little red wagon was loaded to be taken to the bank. Yorktown Elementary PTA reported late Friday that the final total, $1,924.33, surpassed last year's collection of $1,700. First grade came in first, followed by 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and kindergarten in that order. This fourth Annual Penny Harvest is part of the ongoing community service efforts of the YES PTA.

Coventry Elementary School PTA Hosts Bingo Night

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Coventry Elementary School’s PTA hosted a bingo night for students and their families.

Annual Blood Drive at Coventry Elementary School

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Teacher Kim Voska donates blood during the annual Coventry Elementary School Blood Drive.

Tabb Cheer Walks for Alzheimer's

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Tabb High School JV and Varsity Sideline Cheerleaders participated in the 2012 Peninsula Alzheimer's Walk on Saturday October 20th, 2012 in Port Warwick. The event raised $200,000 for the Alzheimer's Association and the THS students and families were proud to collect almost $800. Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Currently there are 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. Visit www.alz.org to learn how you can help.

Read Scary Stories

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

National Honor Society students at Grafton Middle School volunteer in the library. This month they are promoting scary books for students looking for a scare!

YMS Citizens of the Month

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Each month, Yorktown Middle School will be recognizing students who show exemplary behavior or outstanding character for that month. Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as Citizen of the Month for September: Taylor Amos, Gerald Bonds, Katelyn Brinkley, Dustin Crockett, Patrick Glaze, Yusera Ishrat, Alec Jackson, Jack Johanek, Hannah O'Connell, Taylor Speights, Moira Thomson, Jake Verry, Alex Whitaker.

Crazy Hats for the American Heart Association

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Grafton Middle School’s Builders Club sponsored a Hat Day to raise money for the American Heart Association. Teachers selected one student per class to be judged for the best hat. $118.00 was collected for the American Heart Association.

Plenty of Pumpkins

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

It is a long-held tradition at Dare Elementary School for the parents and students to enter their creations in the Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. This years' crop of pumpkins was outstanding with lots of spooky, funny, and creative pumpkins! All pumpkins were donated to the ARC group home to be enjoyed on Halloween.

Visit from the York County Fire Department

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Mount Vernon Elementary School students in Ms. Beard's class enjoys a visit from York County Fire and Life Safety.

Thank You Colonial Kitchens

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Kitchens and Custom Cabinets generously donated beautiful new countertops to the Yorktown Elementary MST Magnet School library. The old countertops were bright neon yellow so the beige color contributes to the appearance of the newly renovated and freshly painted child friendly library. Mrs. Concannon’s kindergarten students made a hand print sign, thanking the men for their hard work and gracious donation.

YMS Pledges to be Drug-free and Stay in the Green Zone

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Yorktown Middle School (YMS) is celebrating Red Ribbon Week, October 22-26. Red Ribbon Week began in 1988 and is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. The US Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that 80 million people currently participate in this program. Yorktown Middle School students are proud to be part of this campaign and pledge to be drug free. Students pledge to honor YMS's tradition of a drug-free school and school body by signing a "Drug-Free" banner in the main hallway.

YMS is combining the "Drug-Free" message with the Green Zone campaign. Students and staff are wearing "Stay in the Green Zone" wristbands imprinted with "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

TMS Sixth Graders Engage in Living History

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Presenters from the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation brought history to life for Tabb Middle School sixth-graders. Students engaged in hands-on learning experiences about life in colonial times.

Queens Lake Middle School Craft Show

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Queens Lake Middle School will hold the 6th Annual PTA sponsored Arts & Crafts Bazaar. Come out and enjoy 40+ talented artisans and vendors. Enjoy a delicious lunch & concessions while relaxing to live music. If you are bringing children with you, there will be a Children's arts & crafts room for them to enjoy. There will also be a silent auction. Come out and support the Queens Lake Middle School Arts & Crafts Bazaar at 124 West Queens Drive in Williamsburg.

Yorktown Elementary Family Fall Festival

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Yorktown Elementary School Annual Family Fall Festival, held Friday, October 12, 2012 from 6 - 8 p.m., proved to be an evening full of fun with crafts, games, face painting, concessions, pumpkin roll, ring toss, corn hole and more.

Ginger L. Clarke visits Magruder Elementary School

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Friday, October 12, 2012, Mrs. Ginger L. Clarke visited the second and third graders of Magruder Elementary School to discuss her popular books and love of writing. Mrs. Clarke's books have sold a combined total of more than two million copies worldwide. Her books Freak Out! and Gross Out! were on Publisher's Weekly's 2006 and 2007 lists of top hundred best-selling children's books. The students enjoyed listening to Mrs. Clarke's presentation and how her love for writing began in the third grade. Hopefully the students of Magruder Elementary School will be inspired to pursue their love of writing as well!

Seaford Staff Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Most of us in one way or another have been touched personally by this disease. Seaford Elementary gave staff, students, and their families an opportunity to honor those they know who have been affected by purchasing a pink ribbon to display in the hall. Seaford staff members also purchased shirts to promote awareness.

DECA Officers Attend District 25 Officer Training Conference

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

The newly elected Executive Board of the Tabb High School DECA Chapter attended the District 25 DECA Officer Training Conference on Tuesday October 16th at the Hampton Administrative Offices. Each officer was installed by the District President Lindsay Tippet during the opening session. After an enlightening presentation from the Norfolk Admirals marketing team the group attended informational workshops.

Tabb Elementary Students Learn Pumpkin Facts

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

After reading the book How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin by Margaret McNamara, Mrs. Carter's third grade class set out to discover pumpkin facts for themselves. First the students measured the size, observed the color and counted the number of ribs. From these observations, they estimated which pumpkin would have the most seeds. They then dug out all the slimy insides, the most fun by far. When the seeds were dry, the students counted their seeds using different groups, ones, twos, fives, tens and twenties. They discovered that counting by twenties was the quickest method. From their data, students concluded that the largest pumpkin did not necessarily have the most seeds. The older ones with a darker color and more ribs had the most.

YSCD Students and Staff have Big Hearts!

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seaford Elementary students, staff and parents supported the American Heart Association by raising money and participating in the Heart Walk held Saturday, October 13, in Newport News Park. This is an important cause to Seaford as two of their current students have been previously affected by heart conditions. Seaford raised $618.90 for the American Heart Association. The money was raised by selling hearts in honor of persons impacted by heart conditions. These hearts were displayed in the hall of Seaford Elementary School.

Dr. Karen Cagle led the group of Grafton Middle School participants, which included Girls on Course members, at the American Heart Walk. The primary focus is to help raise community awareness of Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Children's Health. Grafton Middle School donated over $1070.

York High Student Selected for International Space Olympics

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

A York County School Division student is one of just five Virginia students selected to take part in the 2012 International Space Olympics, which begin this week. Joey Hsu, a senior enrolled at both York High School and the Governor's School for Science and Technology student, is spending ten days in Russia as part of the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored team.

The Space Olympics provide an opportunity for students from around the world to gather in Russia and compete against each other through oral presentations of their research projects and by participating in selected tests in physics, mathematics, computer science, and literature. Highlights of the visit will include the opportunity to talk to scientists and cosmonauts and to interact with students from Russia and other countries.

Follow Hsu’s activities in Russia, along with those of his fellow teammates, on their blogs at http://worldnetva.pwnet.org/russia2012/index.htm.

YCSD to Host Strategic Plan Community Forums

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

The York County School Board is reviewing and revising the division’s Strategic Plan throughout the 2012-2013 school year. This plan will help shape the division’s goals and priorities for the future. The School Board invites all community members to participate in community forums to help shape the vision for our school system’s future.

Strategic Plan Community Forums
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
November 7 - Tabb High School
November 8 - Bruton High School

Queens Lake Student Visit VIMS

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Queens Lake Middle School students recently attended a field trip to the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in VA at VIMS. Students studied oyster reef communities in the lab using microscopes and dichotomous keys. They also had the opportunity to explore the shallow water habitats of the York River. Some of the organisms that students collected, using seine and dip nets, are now kept in aquariums in the school’s life science classroom.

Seaford 3rd Graders Worm Their Way Through Science

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Third graders in Mrs. Long's class use the scientific process to determine whether worms preferred light/dark, wet/dry, rough/smooth. They had to develop a hypothesis, collect data from repeated trials, and revise their hypotheses. Pictured is Kierten Meitz who was testing wet and dry.

Seaford Kindergarteners Make Healthy Choices

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Students in Mrs. Clark's Kindergarten class enjoy buying lunch in the cafeteria. Students are allowed to choose multiple fruits and vegetables. These three students were all enjoying bananas, the fruit offered for the day, and also had chosen broccoli, and a main dish to complete their lunch.

Yorktown Elementary Patriotism

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

First graders at Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School have been engaged in learning about the patriotic symbols of the United States. Each student decorated the American flag, designed a foldable Washington Monument, dressed in the crown and carried the torch of the Statue of Liberty, made and displayed the American Bald Eagle and the Liberty Bell. Students in Mrs. Cagle's first grade class enjoyed bringing this social studies SOL to life by proudly displaying some of their favorite symbols of the United States.

A Gift of Words from the Verizon Pioneers

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Third graders at Grafton Bethel were treated to a Gift of Words as volunteers from the Verizon Pioneers (retired Verizon employees) provided dictionaries to each third grader. Grafton Bethel students were very appreciative.

GMS Reaches Out to French Pen-pals

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Mrs. Rowe's French II students at Grafton Middle School are filming introductions to send to their French pen-pals. Their pen-pals attend Jules Valles a high school near Toulouse, France. The students are excited to see their pen-pals via video and learn more about French culture.

Queens Lake Middle School Students Take Anti-Bullying Pledge

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

On September 28th, students at Queens Lake Middle School took an anti-bullying pledge and signed an anti-bullying banner during a lunch kick-off to Bully Prevention Month.

Johnny Appleseed visits Mr. Miller's Class

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Johnny Appleseed visited Mr. Miller's class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School and engaged the students in many different apple activities. Mr. Appleseed showed students how to peel apples with a mechanical peeler and helped the students to cook applesauce. Parents provided other apple treats and students graphed their favorite color of apple.

Education Datapalooza

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

YCSD Superintendent Eric Williams presented at the 2012 Education Datapalooza hosted by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. The event highlighted innovations by educators and entrepreneurs relating to education and open data. Williams described how York County’s instructional initiatives, policies, and technology infrastructure support leveraging technology to improve student achievement. Other speakers included U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement at the U.S. Department of Education Jim Shelton, as well as several CEOs.

Tabb DECA Prepare for a Busy Year

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Members of the Tabb High School DECA chapter attended the festivities surrounding DECA Day at the Virginia State Fair on Friday, October 5, 2012. Students visited the exhibitors to collect resource information that they will use in the completion of competitive event manuals and were provided the opportunity to participate in practice competitive role-play scenarios. The Tabb DECA Executive Board attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach on Monday October 1, 2012. Board members participated in leadership, teambuilding and competitive events workshops designed to help them discover the best methods to employ to ensure success in District, State and National competition. Tabb joined DECA members from across the region for fellowship, networking and enlightenment during the daylong event hosted by Virginia DECA and TRI Leadership.

YHS Student Featured on NPR

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

York High School student, William Hume, will be featured on the National Public Radio show, "From the Top," on WHRO this Saturday October 6, 2012. A junior at YHS, Hume has played piano for over 9 years and was selected last January for this honor, which showcases young musicians from around the country. The show may also be viewed on demand at: http://www.fromthetop.org/radio/thisweek. YHS is proud to have such a talented student among our flock!

Literacy Library at GMS

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Jan Myers the Reading Specialist at Grafton Middle School invites students and teachers to check out books from the Literacy Library. The library has an incredible collection of non-fiction books that students can use to do research for class.

GMS Uses Technology in the Library

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Seventh grade students at Grafton Middle School used iPods and iPads during a lesson on plagiarism. Students scanned QR Codes to find the definitions for vocabulary words used during their lesson.

Grafton Complex Traffic Alert

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

In the next few weeks, construction will begin on the addition of a new gymnasium for the Grafton school complex. This renovation project will result in a new traffic pattern for morning and afternoon traffic for the high school for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year. The traffic pattern for middle school student drop off and pick up will not be impacted by the construction. Traffic patterns for high school access are detailed below.

GHS Student Parking:
Beginning on October 15, 2012, vehicles entering the complex to park in designated student parking spaces will turn left as they enter the complex and proceed to their assigned parking space.

GHS Student Drop Off and Pick Up:
Beginning on October 15, 2012, vehicles entering the complex to drop off or pick up students will turn right and enter the middle school parking lot. Students will be dropped off and picked up in the parking lot loop. Vehicles will then exit the complex through the bus parking lot. Vehicles entering the complex to drop-off or pick-up students during the school day will not be able to use the loop at the rear of the building, but will instead need to park in designated Visitor parking spaces.

Internet Blog Spotlights YCSD & Dr. Williams

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

YCSD Superintendent Eric Williams, Ed.D. was featured as a “global hero in education” on the website daily adventures, a blog written by Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Education for Microsoft. Salcito puts the spotlight on one educator each day. You can read his conversation with Dr. Williams here.

YCSD Recognized by Microsoft for Innovation

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Microsoft Corporation has released its annual list of the most innovative schools in the world, recognizing six programs in the United States. The York County School Division was recognized as a 2012-2013 Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder School District, marking the first time the program has awarded district level recognition, for the division-wide “bring-your-own-technology (BYOT) initiative.”

The BYOT initiative supports the division’s Transformative Learning philosophy, meaning that students master content and skills while making a difference locally, nationally, and globally. Students and teachers bring their own technology to school and connect with the wireless network to complement district-purchased devices. Also, with the district’s private Internet cloud, students and teachers access the district network’s resources anytime, anyplace, and from any device with an Internet connection.

Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder Schools are selected through a rigorous application process that includes written and video documentation. Pathfinder Schools are selected for their strong leadership and record of innovation that has transformed education and improved student outcomes in their education systems and local communities.

“I am enthusiastic about our designation as a Pathfinder district because this designation will facilitate our sharing and reflecting on best practices with other innovative districts,” shared Eric Williams, YCSD Superintendent. “This type of interaction leads to professional learning and ultimately to improved student achievement.”

Representatives from the 2012–2013 Pathfinder Schools will attend the Partners in Learning Global Forum, Nov. 28–Dec. 1 in Prague, Czech Republic. While there, these representatives will have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops and network with innovative instructors from around the world who have been recognized by the program this year.

YCSD Students and Staff Embrace The Dot

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

On September 14th, York County School Division joined educators around the world in celebration of International Dot Day. International Dot Day was inspired by Peter H. Reynolds children's story, The Dot. Students are encouraged to "make their mark" by simply starting with a dot and expanding creatively on that simple mark. Seaford Elementary believes each one of their students will leave "their mark" and they were encouraged to explore their creativity on this unique day. Mrs. Stratton's 5th grade class made their dots into headbands - as a way to let our school and community know about International Dot Day. Yorktown Elementary School celebrated International Dot Day by dressing in dots, by teachers reading, The Dot, by forming a giant Dot with the entire school participating, and by students making their own mark through various creative art, dance, and music activities.

Students and Staff of Waller Mill Elementary Fine Arts Magnet concluded a week-long celebration and awareness of International Dot Day by creating their very own school dot. "Capturing the power of the caring teacher, The Dot demonstrates how someone who encourages students to explore their unique gifts can impact their entire lives," said author Peter Reynolds. In addition, students participated in grade-level activities inspired by The Dott.

In preparation for International Dot Day, YMS and CFA students, faculty and staff were invited to make their mark and sign a dot during lunches on Monday, September 10. On Friday, September 14, the assembled dots, too many to count, were displayed on a banner stating: "Connecting the dots @ YMS; Together we make a difference." The YMS Dot Day activity was coordinated by reading teacher Julie Collins and school librarian Donna Myers.

A group of excited first graders from Mrs. Berger's first grade class at Coventry Elementary School Skyped with students from Mrs. Barnett's 12th grade English class to celebrate International Dot Day by reading "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds.

Waller Mill Teachers Participate in Professional Development at Local Museum

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

Teachers from Waller Mill Fine Arts Magnet School recently participated in Professional Development at the Abby Aldridge Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg. They began their morning with a guided tour of the Museum's extensive collection and then participated in a hands-on workshop presented by the Museums' Educational Coordinators.

Tabb Cheerleaders Remember

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

The Tabb High School Cheerleaders and Coach Christina Majka, participated in the 2012 Operation Homefront Freedom Walk 2012 in Hampton, VA to commemorate the 11th Anniversary of September 11th. This is the second year the cheerleaders have been a proud partner of this event.

ECPI Students Participate in Dominion Enterprises Hackathon

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

Four students and a teacher from YCSD are participating in a hackathon event convened by Dominion Enterprises on September 20 and 21 at their corporate office in Norfolk. They joined teams of software programmers, graphic designers, product developers, and marketers who gathered to direct their creative energies to mobile applications for learning. At the end of the event, eight new products will have been created for schools and teachers, and a panel of judges will award prizes based on how well teams met specific criteria.

Student participants from York County included Chris Wolinksi (Bruton High School), Zach Jacobson (Grafton High School), Logan Wright (Tabb High School), and Sandra Edwards-Thro (York High School). They were accompanied by Bruton High School teacher Matt Warren. Warren teaches an online Game Design course through York County’s virtual learning program.

Superintendent Eric Williams observed, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work alongside professionals in doing meaningful, innovative work. This event both extends students’ coding skills and reinforces their interest in coding.”

Dominion Enterprises focused this hackathon on mobile applications for learning after attending an event last spring at which Williams issued a challenge to create a new app to help teachers access web-based learning resources.

Yorktown Elementary Earns Environmental Award

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

Yorktown Elementary School (YES) has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with the 2012 "Virginia Naturally School Recognition Award". The award seeks to recognize those exemplary efforts undertaken by Virginia schools to increase the environmental awareness and stewardship of its students. YES will receive a plaque commemorating this award.

Yorktown Elementary Library Makeover

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School welcomed students for the 2012-2013 school year with a beautifully decorated and artistically inspired library. PTA parent, Natalie Hall, had a vision of a welcoming atmosphere for the YES library. With her BFA degree in Interior Design from VCU, she sketched and painted her design ideas. Her design process included space planning, sewing colorful striped canopy type awnings, large throw pillows, inspirational phrases, and whimsical characters. With help from other PTA parents, the project was completed in one month.

Cheering for Back to School Clothing Drive

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Tabb High School Sideline Cheerleaders supported the Grafton Baptist Church's clothing and school supply drive by collecting school clothes for those in need. Ninety-nine children received backpacks with school supplies and were able to pick out clothing at the church on August 25th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

YCSD's Got Talent

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

A York County School Division student was recently honored through the National PTA Reflections contest. Christopher Spells, representing Queens Lake Middle School, earned an Award of Merit in the Dance Choreography category for his entry, The Unique differences of others. Through Reflections, PTA recognizes students for their artistic efforts at local, regional, state and national levels. The National PTA Reflections Awards include:

Outstanding Interpretation Awards: Presented to one student in each arts category and the Special Artist Division for best theme interpretation.
Awards of Excellence: Presented to the top three scores for each arts category in each grade division. In 2012, PTA recognized 72 students with Awards of Excellence.
Awards of Merit: Presented to the next five highest scores for each arts category in each division. In 2012, PTA recognized 116 students with Awards of Merit.

Tabb Freshman Challenged to Believe In You

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Herff Jones representative Chris Hutto helped welcome the Freshman Class to Tabb High during their first class meeting on September 5th in the Tabb High Auditorium. The "Believe In You. Graduate," is a program developed by Herff Jones designed to encourage commitment, self-esteem and instill the importance of graduating on-time as a class. Freshman class members signed the banner in the commons as they exited their meeting acknowledging their commitment to the program and their desire to graduate on-time with their class.

Yorktown Elementary School Assist Waters Edge Church "Stuff the Bus" Project

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Waters Edge Church with campuses in Yorktown and Hampton embarked on a huge “Stuff the Bus” Project during the past four weeks. On Monday, August 27, 2012 the bus pulled up in front of Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School where PTA volunteers and students from Yorktown Elementary and Yorktown Middle Schools emptied the STUFFED bus. After equally dividing the school supplies in the school cafeteria all items will be equally distributed to all elementary, middle and high schools in York County. A second yellow school bus was taken to Hampton Schools.

Showing Seaford Spirit

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Students at Seaford Elementary School show their Seaford pride.

Seaford Teachers Work Together

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Kindergarten team and Preschool teacher from Seaford Elementary School worked together during professional development prior to the start of the school year. Staff members were challenged to work collaboratively with nonverbal communication to design the tallest balloon model.

Reaching Out to Those Who Serve in Remembrance of 9/11

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Tabb High School (THS) continues its tradition of remembering our public servants on September 11th. Members of Mr. Skip Blanton’s AP Government class, along with representatives of YEA and Tabb’s SCA present the Tabb Fire/EMS with a card of appreciation and baked goods.

York High School 2013 National Merit Semifinalists

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST

Each year, some 16,000 Semifinalists are selected to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Competition is based upon students' performance on the PSAT test during junior year. This year York High School (YHS) is pleased to announce that the following students are semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Competition:

Abigail Chen
Stephanie Dygert
Paul Kennedy

Please join the Principal, Dr. Peggie Constantino and the Falcon family in congratulating these students by sharing this information with Administrators and the Media. We wish them all the best!

Tabb High School Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence in Education

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST

Tabb High School (THS) kicks off its 40th year of operation with a welcome back to school birthday celebration breakfast sponsored by the THS PTSA. Faculty and staff were joined by faculty and student alumni for the breakfast feast organized by the PTSA Hospitality Chair Laura Kelly and her team Deni Lewis and Liz Bryant. The THS Administrative team and the SCA, sponsored by Linnea Terndrup, spiced up the event with 40 year decoration and banners.

Several faculty alumni also attended the event and provided a walk down memory lane. After each alumni spoke, Principal Angie Seiders presented them with a commemorative 40th year T-shirt. THS Faculty alumni in attendance were Mrs. Janie King, Mrs. Myrtle Soles and her husband Teeny, Coach George Coulter, Coach Charlie Hovis and his wife Carolyn, and Coach Willard Hunt.

Making the event even more memorable was the appearance of student alumni. Mr. Eric Samuel and Mrs. Linda Saunders Hart from the class of 1978 addressed the faculty with inspirational thoughts and words of encouragement that provided motivation for teachers to start the school year off on the right foot.

Bailey Field Scoreboard Dedication Ceremony

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST

In December of 2011, the York Foundation for Public Education, Inc. reached out to TowneBank to sponsor a new scoreboard for Bailey Field. Bailey Field, located on the campus of York High School, hosts athletic events for three York County School Division high schools. TowneBank committed to fully funding this project. Members of the Foundation and TowneBank representatives will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bailey Field at 6:45 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2012.

YCSD Student and Educator Exhibition

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST

On August 23, 2012, YCSD teachers and administrators kicked off the year with a division-wide exhibition of student and educator work. Over 100 teachers representing all grade levels and all 19 schools presented their engaging and transformative learning activities in a gallery walk and tabletop discussions. Teachers had the opportunity to explore exemplary lessons and examples of student work, engage in conversations with colleagues and develop a deeper understanding of transformative learning in YCSD.

Dare Elementary School Re-Opens

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST

Students, staff and parents gathered on Thursday, August 30, 2012, to celebrate their official return to Dare Elementary School. The building suffered damage from Hurricane Irene during a renovation project just prior to the 2011-2012 school year and remained closed throughout the year. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, School Board Vice-Chair Page Minter, Superintendent Eric Williams and Principal Mary Ahearn each thanked parents for their support of staff, and their dedication to the school, during the past year. Student representatives led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and participated in the ribbon-cutting.

Tabb Field Hockey Team Sets National Record

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tabb High School Varsity Field Hockey team won the Westfield tournament in Chantilly the last weekend of August. They tied the national record for consecutive shutouts, set in 1997 by a Pennsyvlania high school, with an 8-0 win over James Madison High in game one and then broke the record with a 4-0 victory over Lake Braddock in game two.

The Tigers play host to Cox on Thursday at 7 p.m. Cox was the last team to score a goal against Tabb during last year's season opener game.

GHS Student Takes Part in Mock Mars Mission with NASA

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Katrina Asher, a rising senior at Grafton High School, has had a truly out-of-this world summer. She spent a week at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston where she planned a simulated mission to Mars and experienced life as an engineer and scientist.

NASA sponsored the trip as part of the Women in STEM High School Aerospace Scholars project, or WISH. The WISH program encourages young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees and exposes them to the real-world applications of STEM careers at NASA. Beginning in March, participants worked on interactive, online projects focused on space exploration. The projects culminated with the selection of students invited to the NASA on-site event.

While in Houston, the young women worked in teams with female NASA mentors to develop mission plans for launching to Mars, living and working there, and integrating the many components necessary for a successful planetary mission. They worked within the confines of a fictitious budget and built several small mockups of vehicles to demonstrate a successful launch and landing of the Mars spacecraft.

“We learned how to work together as a team, planning a long range space mission on a budget. We got to work with robotics and talk with some famous people from the U.S. manned space program including Mr. Kraft and Joe Acaba. Mr. Kraft was a central figure in the safe return of Apollo 13 and Historic Mission Control is named for him. Joe Acaba is an astronaut on the International Space Station. It was a great week that I hope more young scholars will have a chance to experience,” said Asher.

Asher was one of eighty-four female high school students from across the country selected to participate in the pilot program. For more information about WISH, visit: http://go.usa.gov/dsP.

Dare Elementary School Celebration

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dare Elementary Schools' completed renovation project will be held at Noon on Thursday, August 30, 2012. Members of the York County School Board, the Superintendent and Dare Elementary students will participate in the ceremony.

Mobile Website Unveiled

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Connecting with the York County School Division (YCSD) is even simpler now for students, parents and community members on the go. The division website (yorkcountyschools.org) is now available in a mobile format to make it easier to view on most smartphone and tablet devices. Smartphone users will be automatically directed to the mobile version with the option to visit the full site if they choose. Smartphone users can also access the site by going to m.yorkcountyschools.org.

Led by Programmer Analyst Jason M. Short, division staff created the site to allow parents and students better access to frequently requested information such as calendars, menus and school supply lists. According to a 2011 Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project report, one-third of all adults now own a smartphone. Some 87% of smartphone owners regularly access the internet or email, with many citing a preference to go online using their phones, rather than a computer.