http://yorkcountyschools.org The official website for York County Public Schools. This site contains general information about our school division and links to our school web sites. Education en-us Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:01 EST Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST webmaster@ycsd.york.va.us © 2012 York County School Division http://yorkcountyschools.org/images/YCSD_Logo_thumb.jpg http://yorkcountyschools.org 108 108 Roman Alis' Writers Roundtable students are getting ready for their production illustrating repercussions of cyber-bullying at Grafton Middle School (GMS). Students wrote, cast and directed the production to boost awareness of cyber-bullying amongst their peers. Directors and writers of the final scripts included Mandy Riffe, Rachel Rhymer and Victoria Sumrell.

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Seventh grade students at Grafton Middle School (GMS) honored Martin Luther King Jr. in Jill Barnes' English class. Students utilized "Bring Your Own Technology" (BYOT) to summarize and draw visual representations of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech.

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Kindergarten through second grade students at Magruder Elementary School (MES) met after school to do fun reading activities centered around snowmen. They made a snowman luminary, played snowman games, read snowman books and made a snowman bagel sandwich for a snack. Everyone had a "cool" time at the Snowman Party at MES.

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST During the month of February Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) will be selling cupcakes after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A cupcake cart will visit each after school activity. Cupcakes will be sold for $1.00 to benefit the American Cancer Society. "A World with less cancer is a World with more birthdays."

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) students that are participating in the 2nd Annual Spelling Bee, have been practicing all of January. The Spelling Bee will be held after school on Tuesday, February 7th. Come out and support these students.

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST The following students were chosen to represent Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) in the annual Yorktown Women's Club Art Competition: Lucy Smith, Caitlyn Shafer, Ashley Cordner and Aimee Nazario-Ovalle. They will be competing against other York County School Division artists. Winning this local competition can lead to wins at regional and state competitions.

]]> General News Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST A second information session on the York County School Division's FY13 Operating Budget will be held on February 6 at 6 p.m. at Bruton High School. Superintendent Eric Williams, Ed.D., will provide parents and community members with the latest budget information at the session.

]]> Events Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Four Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Band students performed for the January meeting of the York County Retired Teachers Association. They performed a trumpet and tuba duet and a snare drum duet.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST The TRADOC Ft. Eustis Band Woodwind Quintet performed on January 20th for the 6th grade Band students at Yorktown Middle School (YMS).

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) students are standing in line to get the newest book titles. New titles go flying off the shelves as soon as students hear about them. Sixth graders Beatrice Tombs, Nicole Pitchford and AJ Garcia, from Bridget Ewell's english class, are excited to get their book selection. The Son of Neptune, The Hunger Games, and The Sea of Monsters are some of the most popular books at GMS.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Eight grade students, Stephanie Nardi and Tea' Roland, of Grafton Middle School (GMS) practice Chinese Brush Painting in Vicky Layne's Introduction to Art class.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Coventry Elementary School (CES) students enjoy a performance by magician, Stephen A. Somers. The mystery-themed performance kicked off the 5th Annual Coventry All-School Listens as part of the Read Aloud Virginia program. Read Aloud Virginia encourages families to read aloud together at home to increase students' vocabulary, reading comprehension and most of all to have fun together. CES will be listening to "The 100-Year-Old Secret" throughout the month of February.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES) Student Council member, Devyn Wilder, is reading a booklet, I Am a Good Citizen, which was written by the members of the student council. GBES SCA was invited to come into each kindergarten class and read the "good citizen" booklet aloud to the students in hopes of encouraging good citizenship and acting as civic role-models. Each kindergarten student at GBES was given a booklet that was written and illustrated by an SCA member.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST The annual York County School Division (YCSD) Science Fair was held on January 19, 2012 at the Grafton School Complex. Secondary students from throughout the division competed in the science fair. The theme for this year's science fair was "Imagine, Create, Engineer the Future." Congratulations to all the winners and participants.

]]> General News Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Bowling Club Congratulations! At the Virginia High School Bowling Championships on Sunday, January 8, the Tabb High School (THS) Bowling Club was represented by three teams. Three THS teams competed in the club championships against teams from across the state and all finished the day in the top twenty five. In the Club Championships, Tabb brought home a fourth place finish with Frederick Jackson, Geoffery Preudhomme and Claire Martin. They ended just 151 pins (only a little over 8 pins per bowler each game) from getting the 1st place trophy! In addition to the club teams we had three of our five scratch bowlers in the tournament and Alec Manriquez helped to win the scratch division on an "all-star team" from the Peninsula district. Bowler's Scholarship highlights: Alec Manriquez earned $200 for 1st Place Scratch Team: Frederick Jackson, Geoffery Preudhomme, and Claire Martin earned $100/each for 4th Place Club Team: Victoria White earned $75 for High scratch game with a 214. Other Tabb Bowlers who advanced through Districts to the state tournament are: Ross Beardsley, Evan Cook, Alex Feller, Chris Kephart, Joshua Preiss, Alex Smith, and Robert White.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST Students in Mary Christensen's fifth grade class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES) have been reading The Cay. In the story, Timothy, an elderly black West Indian sailor, and Stew Cat drift on a raft to a small, deserted island. Timothy teaches Phillip, who was blinded by a blow to his head, how to survive on the cay. The students simulated the scene in The Cay where Timothy teaches Phillip how to create a mat. One student is blindfolded and the other gives the directions. Students experienced the difficulties and successes of following another's guidance as they created their mats.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST Students in Jennifer Smith and Lydia Lassalle's second grade classes at Yorktown Elementary School read Hot Air Henry and studied hot air balloons. After which, students each made their own hot air balloons out of paper mache and paint.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST York County School Division (YCSD) Superintendent Eric Williams will provide parents with the latest budget information at two Parent Information Sessions. The sessions will be held on February 1, 6 p.m. at Tabb High School and on February 6, 6 p.m. at Bruton High School.

]]> Events Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST Congratulations to the following Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) band students who were selected for the All-District 8 Jr. Band for 2012: Jimmy McKenzie - 1st Chair - Bb Soprano Clarient; Joey Morrow - 2nd Chair - Eb Alto Saxophone; John Morrow - 8th Chair – Trumpet; Josie Kurtz - 1st Alternate – Oboe; Jenny Schuster - 2nd Alternate - Bb Soprano Clarient; Nic Falcione - 2nd Alternate - Snare Drum

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST As part of the Technology Systems class at Grafton Middle School (GMS), students Miroslava Marinova and Soohyun Yoon are evaluating fingerprint evidence during their Forensic Science Module. They are looking for ridge detail in the fingerprints and checking to see if they match the prints found at the crime scene.

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST Jason Redman, the founder of Wounded Wear, visited Tabb Middle School (TMS) on December 21, 2011. He spoke with students about his experiences as a Navy SEAL. The retired US Navy SEAL conveyed to the students how teamwork and leadership were key to his survival after being shot in a firefight.

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST The Tabb High School (THS) Jazz Band, under the direction of Adam Waller, entertained students at recent spirit rallies held at Tabb Middle School (TMS).

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST Terry Zeytoonian's Grafton Middle School (GMS) Science 6 classes participated in a group simulation activity where they applied knowledge of planets in our Solar System to one they "discovered". Students identified features, atmospheric conditions, size and other characteristics that made each group's work unique. The classes then researched the standards set by the International Astronomical Union (IAE) to determine whether their discoveries met the criteria for being called a planet.

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST At the Hampton Roads District High School Bowling Championships on Sunday December 18th the Tabb High School (THS) Bowling Club members helped to successfully bring home to the peninsula the Overall District Trophy. Three of the THS teams placed in the top seven and advanced to the Virginia State Championships in Richmond on Sunday, January 8th. In addition, two of our bowlers have advanced as members of the scratch "all-star team" from the peninsula with our very own Alec Manriquez earning the top place with the high average overall of 221 to be on the team. Alec also posted the highest pin fall in the tournament; his high scratch game was 268 on the way to the High Scratch Average of 221 and his selection to the Peninsula District Scratch Team for Virginia State Championships. In the District Championships Tabb High came in second place with Alex Feller, Ross Beardsley and Chris Kephart averaging 225 with pins, they ended up in second by just 46 pins, only a little over 2.5 pins per game. The THS bowling team is sponsored by Robert Johnson, CDR, USN (Ret.). Bowling Club Congratulations!

]]> General News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST The York County School Division Science Fair 2012, "Imagine, Create, Engineer the Future", will be held January 19th 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.

]]> Events Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST Reported By: Maxwell Swanton Frishkorn, Chris Maynor, Chloe Everard, Danielle Bennett, Alexis Ramer, Madisson Joye (TES students)

On Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Tabb Elementary School (TES) held its Second Annual Rock Fest. All the 5th graders were included in the festival celebrating the end of the rock unit. We did many learning friendly activities with rocks while having a blast! The activities included breaking geodes, cooking rocks, making pet rocks, fossils, and rock jewelry.
Maxwell Swanton Frishkorn

The 5th graders opened geodes, which are rocks with crystals inside. We observed the cracking method while the adults broke the geodes in half. My favorite part was breaking open the geodes. My geode took two people to break it. When it broke it had a lot of crystals in it. Most geodes are hollow and were unbelievably beautiful with all of the multi-colored crystals inside. The tools you need to break open a geode are chisels, goggles, and a hammer.
Chris Maynor

My favorite part was cooking to illustrate how the different types of rocks are formed. In my group we made peppermint bark using milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peppermint extract, and crushed up peppermint candies. The peppermint bark represents igneous rock, because it has to cool and harden just like lava cools and hardens to make igneous rocks.
Chloe Everard

Most of the kids thought making pet rocks was the best. We picked out, named, and decorated the rocks. Some rocks rocked Mohawks and winking eyes. To make a pet rock you need a rock, fake hair, googlie eyes, and a sharpie.
Danielle Bennette

One of the things we did was make our very own fossils. First we had to soften the clay we were using. We then flattened the clay and imprinted sea shells in it. After we rolled up the edges to make a sort of bowl, we poured plaster in it. When they dried out, we peeled the clay off and had our own fossils.
Alexis Ramer

The 5th graders turned rocks and wire into works of art, either a keychain or a necklace. To make a necklace you need a rock with a hole, cord to hold the rock, and wire. You wrap the wire around the rock and make a loop. Then you put the wire loop on the cord. Now you have a rock necklace.
Madisson Joye

]]> General News Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST The members of the Tabb High School (THS) Chapter of Rachel's Challenge visited the York Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, December 15 to spread cheer to our very deserving seniors. Bingo was on the agenda for the day. Students helped with marking the cards as others called the numbers. The residents anxiously anticipated the next number called as the one needed for the win. The residents loved the prize cart filled with donated and handmade gifts for everyone.

]]> General News Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST Students at Coventry Elementary School (CES) were treated to a wonderful show by the Grafton High School Jazz Band.

]]> General News Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST The Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) Student Council and National Junior Honor Society teamed together to sponsor a canned food drive. The panthers collected well over 1,000 items to distribute among three Williamsburg organizations: Salvation Army, F.I.S.H., and the Grove Outreach Center. We may be a small school, but we have huge hearts! Thomas Weidinger's lunch bunch were key supports and enthusiasts for the QLMS Canned Food Drive. They even provided some 'muscle' for the Salvation Army!

]]> General News Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST On Monday, December 12th, the five school board members for the York County School Division gathered at York Hall where they took their Oath of Office.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST On December 12, the Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Choral department dressed their best and took their holiday show on the road. The 150 plus member group visited three local Retirement and Assisted Living communities and performed holiday selections for the residents. The program included musical selections performed by members of the Sixth Grade Beginner Choir, the Intermediate/Advanced Dance Choir, and the Advanced Choir. They performed under the direction of Lisa McClouskey, chorus teacher at YMS.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST The York County School Board Office staff showed their holiday spirit by helping those in need. The staff members brought in donations for the York-Poquoson Food Bank and also participated in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST The Tabb High School (THS) community helped the Tabb Student Activist Club and the Key Club collect over 800 cans and other foodstuffs for our local food pantry. A contest was conducted between seventh period classes to see which class could collect the most cans. Gordon Parr's Girl's Ensemble class collected 321 cans to win the competition with Rainah Yedlock's English class coming in second place with 121 cans.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST The Grafton Middle School's (GMS) Youth to Youth Club is a call for positive interaction among middle school students and within the community. The Youth to Youth Club often sets aside time to offer an extra pair of hands to the Riverside Hospice Legacy of Love Project in the community when there is a special job that needs to be completed.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST As part of the Innovations and Inventions class at Grafton Middle School (GMS), students Miroslava Marinova and Soohyun Yoon have just completed their Public Service Announcement (PSA). After final editing, the PSA on Test Score Statistics will be viewed by the class during Discovery Days and evaluated by their peers.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST Kay Cronan coordinated a workshop called Run Away with Reading at Magruder Elementary School (MES). It was centered on fun activities involving gingerbread. Students read The Gingerbread Boy and had gingerbread cookies and milk for a snack. Then students and parent volunteers made gingerbread play dough men. They played a gingerbread learning game, which Kay Cronan made up, by following directions to make a gingerbread ornament and a gingerbread pop-up book.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST On December 8, the Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Chorus department held their 2011 Holiday Choral Concert in the auditorium at YMS. The program included fifteen musical selections performed by members of the Sixth Grade Beginner Choir, the Intermediate/Advanced Dance Choir, the Advanced Choir, and even the Faculty Choir. The Choral Connection Parent Booster Committee held raffles and a bake sale before and during the concert to help support the YMS Choral Department. Family and friends as well as students and staff members enjoyed the evening as the 150 plus member choir performed under the direction of Lisa McClouskey, chorus teacher at YMS. A special thanks to Mark Smeland, piano accompanist and Ida Ostrowski the announcer for the evening.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST Tabb High School (THS) DECA organized a school and community wide clothing drive for the homeless. Virginia DECA in collaboration with Volcom and the National Coalition for the Homeless sponsored the month long "Give Jeans and Jackets a Chance" campaign ending December 9, 2011. DECA Chapters from around the state were challenged to collect jeans and jackets to be donated to their local homeless shelter. Tabb DECA with the support from students, faculty and the community collected over 600 items that were boxed and labeled according to type of clothing, gender and size and delivered them to the Peninsula Rescue Mission homeless shelter.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST Kevin Babu, a 7th grade student at Yorktown Middle School (YMS), won the school-level championship of the National Geographic Bee on Tuesday, December 13. He also won a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 24th annual National Geographic Bee that is being sponsored by Google.

The kickoff for this year's Bee was the week of November 14, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Kevin, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers on that test in each state will then be eligible to compete in their state Bee March 30, 2012.

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 Bee national championship rounds May 22-24, 2012. 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 National Geographic.

"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 24. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

]]> General News Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST The class of 2011 Graduation and class of 2012 Pinning Ceremony for York High School (YHS) International Baccalaureate Programme will take place on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7pm. It will be held in the York High School auditorium with a reception to follow in the Kiva.

]]> Events Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST On Saturday, December 3rd, crowds gathered along the streets of Williamsburg to watch the annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade. Queens Lake Middle School's (QLMS) marching band took home 2nd place for middle school bands during the parade judging. Bruton High School's (BHS) marching band participated in the parade as well along with members from the School of the Arts.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Two eighth grade students at Grafton High School (GHS) were honored to have their work chosen for the 2012 Beautiful York County Calendar. Taylor Batte's collage was chosen for the cover of the York County Calendar by the York Beautification Committee. He used tissue paper, cardboard, cotton balls, magazines and newspaper to create his design. Michael Carpenter's collage was chosen for the month of September. He designed his using toothpicks, tissue paper, magazines and construction paper. The students were recognized at the award banquet held at the Freight Shed in Yorktown and each received a check for $100.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary School's (GBES) third, fourth and fifth grade students were treated to a special holiday performance by the York High School (YHS) Chorus. Song selections included: A Winter's Night, Dormi, Dormi O Bel Bambinm, Silver Bells and many more. The YHS Chorus is directed by Tiffany Temple.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Second graders from Magruder Elementary School (MES) recently visited Jamestown Settlement. On their field trip, students learned about the Powahatan Indians and English settlers through hands-on experiences.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST The York High School (YHS) chorus visited the York County School Division School Board Office on Thursday, December 8 where they performed a variety of holiday selections. Staff members gathered to enjoy the sounds of the season as performed by Tres Jolie and Voices In Perfection. Chorus members filled the lobby of the school board office and sang under the direction of the YHS chorus director, Tiffany Temple. The school board office was just one of many stops for the YHS Winter Chorus Tour throughout the school division.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) students Eden Owens, seventh grade, and Paul Noble, eighth grade, proudly display their gargoyle drawings in Vicki Layne's Introduction to Art class. Students had to demonstrate value (shading) and Chiaroscuro (dramatic lighting) in their pencil or gray tone pastel drawings. The students used gargoyles as their subject matter.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Congratulations to the winners of the Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) Science Fair for the 2011-2012 school year. The winners are:

Animal Science: 1st Place - Libby Bieri
Behavioral/Social Science: 1st Place - Jacob Cook, 2nd Place - Karsen Vawter, 3rd Place - Kirk Cooke, Honorable Mention - Clare Shriner
Chemistry: 1st Place - Jenny Schuster, 2nd Place - Elena Evans, 3rd Place - Joseph Mann, Honorable Mention - Carter Rose
Earth Science: 1st Place - Hanna Froehlich
Engineering: 1st Place - Reilly Kartchner, 2nd Place - Mitchell DeJager, 3rd Place - Mathew DeJager
Medicine and Health: 1st Place - Daniel Jones, 2nd Place - Jimmy McKenzie
Plant Sciences: 1st Place - Charlotte Bieri, 2nd Place - Michael Fochtman, 3rd Place - Caroline DeJager, Honorable Mention - Mallory Downey
Physics: 1st Place - Clara Wincheski, 2nd Place - Samuel Malmquist, 3rd Place - Trevor LeForge, Honorable Mention - Xavier Catasus

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Tabb High School (THS) was one of five area high schools that participated in The Stock Market Challenge sponsored by Junior Achievement at the Hampton Convention Center on December 7th. Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher Gina Mancuso-Sidhu's first block Economics and Personal Finance class participated in the day long competition. Of the 27 teams participating, Tabb High came away with a third place team!

]]> General News Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST Two classes teamed up at Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES). Melinda Sumner's third graders buddied up with Shannon Levister's kindergarten students to make "coffee filter" feathers for their turkeys. Third graders helped to model following directions and being responsible to their younger buddies. Both classes had a great time working together.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST The Builders Club of Grafton Middle School (GMS) sponsored a canned food drive. Students collected 1,867 items for the food drive. The sixth grade won the contest by collecting an amazing 1,215 items to donate.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST The York County School Division Board members, along with Superintendent Eric Williams, Ed.D., will take the oath of office on December 12th at 4 p.m. at the York County Courthouse.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST Tabb High School's (THS) Career and Technical Education teacher Gina Mancuso-Sidhu received the 2011-2012 Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation Whole School Improvement Grant in the amount of $1,875.00 for Financial Literacy for High Schools. The York Foundation for Public Education, Inc. prize patrol presented Gina with Whole School Initiative Grant in her classroom on November 21. She will use the grant money to purchase access to an online financial literacy simulation that will allow students to participate in an interactive real time simulation that develops money managing skills in a safe environment. Students will be assigned a job with a salary and in turn will develop a budget to pay their bills (online and with their simulated personal checking account), save for retirement in a 401k, and try and prepare for unforeseen financial dilemmas. Making financial mistakes in this simulation will provide students with valuable learning experiences without the fees and credit damage the same mistakes cost in the real world.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST Four Yorktown Middle School (YMS) students, Sam Wash, Stephen Hume, Rebekkah Warhol, and Alisa Wash, initiated a canned food drive in their neighborhood in support of the school-wide food drive. The food drive is being sponsored by the YMS Builders Club, YMS SCA and YMS CLASSICS. The four students collected nearly 500 cans, which were brought to YMS on Thursday for donation.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST Welcome to the newest GMS Clippers! Twenty Grafton Middle School (GMS) students participated in a New Student Social. The students were provided lunch while discussing the challenges and highlights of their transition to a new school. "Peer Ambassadors" from across the grade levels also attended and offered ongoing support to their new classmates.

]]> General News Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Beautiful York County calendar art winners. One winning piece of artwork was selected for each month of the year and a cover for the calendar. The annual contest sponsored by the York County Beautification Committee, combines art and environmental education. The winning students were notified in September and were then invited to the Annual Fall Awards Banquet held on November 10th. All participants will receive certificates of appreciation for their entries. The winners are:

January	Regina McNeill	Victory Celebration
February	Kristina Kasbohm	Please Recycle
March	Sara Hosseinpour	Enjoy Clean York County
April	Katie Shematek	Newsome Beauty
May	Keli Duffer	Don't Let this Happen
June	Hannah Kilgore	Adopt a Summer Spot
July	Kirsten Halvorsen	Pick it Up, York County
August	Megan Herron	Keep York County Beautiful
September	Michael Carpenter	Yorktown, Keep it Clean
October	Ben Bennis	Untitled
November	Caroline Coburn	Keep York County Beautiful
Decemeber	Marylu Hudgins	Untitled
Cover	Taylor Batte	York County Recycles

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Queens Lake Middle School (OLMS) had a surprise visit from the York Foundation for Public Education, Inc. (YFPE) Prize Patrol. Math teacher Anne Dunn and Special Education teacher Deb Ellis were awarded a grant from the Foundation for a joint math initiative. YFPE, Inc. board members and the liaison presented the grant to the recipients.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Sixth grade Yorktown Middle School (YMS) students in Mary Gatens and Robin Reichelt's US History 1 classes jointly participated in a Pyramid review for the recent DBA.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Tabb High School (THS) Key Club, sponsored by Michael Martinez, collected over $700 in change through collection boxes placed in seventh period classrooms. Motivated by the cause and the chance to win a Chick-fil-A breakfast, students in each of the classes placed their change in the boxes each day for a week.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST On Tuesday, November 15, LaSalle Blanks, news anchor from WVEC Channel 13, visited York High School (YHS). He visited with students to talk about Rachel's Challenge. In September, all York High students participated in a kick-off/informational assembly from Rachel's Challenge. Rachael's Challenge encourages students to be kind and start a Chain Reaction of kindness within their school and community. Students from the York High Leadership class are sponsoring activities each month to promote kindness and keep Rachel's Challenge on the minds of all students, faculty and staff. Students signed the Rachel's Challenge banner committing themselves to help form a Chain Reaction of kindness. YHS is proud to be apart of this initiative.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Second graders at Yorktown Elementary School (YES) shared stew and projects with parents on November 7th at the Native American Festival. The festival culminated a three week study of tribes across the United States.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Tabb High School's (THS) African-American History Club, sponsored by Mary Dawson and Gwen Banks, made Veteran's Day special for Veterans in the area. The group visited the Salvation Army's Veteran Affairs Service transitional housing facility on November 11 bearing gifts. Over 60 gift bags filled with much needed items were assembled and distributed to the residents. Club members also played bingo with the Vets and gave prizes to the winners.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST WVEC Channel 13 Meteorologist Craig Moeller visited Tabb High School (THS) to speak with Maura Johnson's AP Human Geography students about weather and its effects on population and migration. Assistant Principal Doug Hartley welcomed Craig while the students assembled in the auditorium for the presentation.

]]> General News Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) students signed a large ribbon during Red Ribbon Week as they pledged to be drug-free. Student leaders read the announcements each morning urging students to remain drug-free and promoting Red Ribbon Week events. Also, a slogan contest was held and a winner was selected from each grade level. Grafton Clippers re-energized their commitment against drugs, "Not just for a week, but for life!"

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) students Aaron Daughtery, Josie Huck, Melek Izzard, Tre Pritchford and Kenny Williams are researching information for their MyPlate project. The students have been learning about eating healthy by following the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate. Each student made a menu for a breakfast, lunch and dinner following the requirements of MyPlate.

MyPlate Project: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was established in 1994 to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans. Toward this goal, the Center focuses its efforts on two primary objectives:

1. Advance and promote dietary guidance for all Americans, and
2. Conduct applied research and analyses in nutrition and consumer economics.

The Center's core projects to support its objectives are the following:

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• USDA Food Guidance System (MyPlate, MyPyramid, Food Guide Pyramid)
• Healthy Eating Index
• U.S. Food Plans
• Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply
• Expenditures on Children by Families

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) sixth graders get excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education. Students Sydney Mann, Kiera Schwartz and Lyssa Garber patiently wait to take their colorful bottle rockets outside to the launch pad. This is a cumulative project that begins with the history and theory of Rocketry and Space and ends with students designing their own rockets. Who knows, maybe we have another Sally Ride at Grafton Middle School (GMS)?

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST The French Student Exchange program is now accepting applicants for 2012-2013 school year. The exchange students will be traveling to beautiful Port-Vendres, France, Yorktown's sister city, in the Fall of 2012. If you are currently enrolled in French 3 or 4, and are planning on taking French next year, you could go to France.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Yorktown Elementary School (YES) kindergarten students donned lab coats to complete a nature scavenger hunt on the school grounds on October 25. Leaves, pine cones, acorns and wild flowers, lead to engaging discussions about the outdoor world.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School (WMES) teachers worked in Professional Learning Communities to discuss student work.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Please join QLMS PTA on Saturday, November 19th from 10 am to 4 pm for our annual holiday arts and crafts bazaar.

]]> Events Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST The York Foundation for Public Education, Inc.'s (YFPE) Prize Patrol awarded two Innovational Education Mini Grants to Tabb High School (THS) this week. Art Department teacher Leann Sasamoto received a grant for her "Inspired Art: Nooks and Crannies" as well as Career and Technical Education teachers Christina Majka and Lynn Pitchford for their "Presentation is Everything" project.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Mr. and Mrs. Weiss explain the work of Devoted, their service dog, to second and third grade reading students in Betty Dean's reading class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES). Betty Dean's students had finished reading the book Helping Paws, Dogs That Serve.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Students at Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES) were presented with a learning barn on Tuesday, November 1. Members of the local Farm Bureau and a representative from Agriculture in the Classroom were on hand to make the presentation. The unique bookcase, in the shape of a barn, is filled with agriculture and farm themed related books. The learning barn will be housed in the media center for all students to enjoy.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Coventry Elementary School (CES) hosted their annual Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, October 21st. This was the 8th annual blood drive for CES. Kim Voska, a third grade teacher, donated blood during the event.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Congratulations to Matthew Smith a 7th grader at Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) for being selected for All-District Chorus for the 2011-2012 school year.

]]> General News Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST York County Firefighters visited Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES) during Fire Prevention Week. Students toured the emergency vehicles and talked about fire safety procedures.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST On October 23, 2011 the Grafton Middle School (GMS) Field Hockey team had the opportunity to attend the James Madison University (JMU) vs. College of William and Mary (W&M) field hockey game in Williamsburg, VA. The team had the opportunity to watch a collegiate level field hockey game, receive autographs and meet the JMU team afterwards. Coach Sarah Young, an alumna of James Madison University, was grateful for this opportunity to share with her team.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST Mt. Vernon Elementary School (MVES) created bulletin boards in honor of 9/11. Third grade students created a hall of heroes and second graders made Faces of Caring.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST This year's One Act plays were just one more example of the creativity coupled with dedication of the members of the cast and crew that flourishes at Tabb High School (THS). "The Winning Season", directed by Caitlin Cloherty was selected to represent THS this year at District Competition. Rainah Yedlock, English teacher at Tabb sponsors the group.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST Second graders at Seaford Elementary School (SES) learned about nocturnal animals and spent the day learning about bats.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST On October 31st, Seaford Elementary School's (SES) first graders participated in pumpkin investigations. Students made predictions about small, medium and large pumpkins. They discussed the pumpkin's size, shape, height, weight and seed count. Students worked in groups to carry out their investigations.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST The tragic incident suffered by Columbine High School has had one positive effect felt by Tabb High School (THS) - Rachel's Challenge. This year THS has an active chapter continuing Rachel's wish of spreading kindness and compassion one act at a time across America. Roxanne O'Regan sponsors the growing group that encourages students to help others. Whether it be with a kind word when needed most or rolling up the shirt sleeves to help complete a project, members of the group are flexing their positive influence muscles and encouraging others to join their campaign to make THS, its' community and the world a kinder place to live. The segment set to air on Wednesday, November 2, 2011.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST Yorktown Middle School (YMS) showed their Falcon pride all week long with YMS Spirit Week, sponsored by the PTSA. Each day during the week of October 17-21 had a different spirit theme. The themes were: Monday, Team Spirit/Jersey Day, Tuesday, Crazy Hair Day; Wednesday, Wacky Tacky Day; Thursday, Twin Day; and Friday, Spirit/School Colors Day. On Friday, the week wrapped up with pep rallies. Principal "Cow"ndi Skinner (Candi Skinnner) greeted Wayne Powell and the Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Pep Band during the recent culminating Spirit Week pep rally.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST Shaggy, the star of the Yorktown Middle School (YMS) PTSA Cow Chip Bingo, produced a winner in spite of Saturday's rainy weather. Daniel Reisch is now the proud owner of an iPad2. Cow Chip Bingo is a game that pits your luck against the intestinal workings of a cow. Squares were purchased in advance for a marked field for $20 each. Then Shaggy the cow roamed the field and answered nature's call to determine the winner. Monetary prizes were also awarded for additional "bingos" in the field. Proceeds from the game went to the YMS PTSA to enhance the educational experience of Yorktown Middle students.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST We are delighted to officially announce that York County School Division will host the Pen-Tran Transition Fair on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Grafton High School (GHS) from 8:30-1:30. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families, as well as staff, to learn more about the world of Transition. We will have a variety of opportunities for participants, including a number of sessions covering topics including: DRS, SSI, Surrogate Decision Making, Indicators, Assistive Technology, etc. Numerous vendors will also be available to share valuable information with participants. The opening remarks will be made by our own Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Ed.D., Director of Accountability and Instructional Services. There will be door prizes, lunch will be provided and school staff may earn up to four credit points towards re-licensure, as well! Please join us for this exciting event, and share with any and all who may be interested in learning more about Transition! Volunteers for working the fair would also be welcome. Feel free to e-mail or call Gayle Stortz with any questions at 833-2147.

]]> Events Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST For the past two years, Deardre Hanline's second grade classes and the Coventry Environmental club have been working on establishing a Monarch Way Station in the school courtyard. This year they raised, tagged and released fourth generation Monarchs to migrate to Mexico for the winter. They hope to see the 5th generation return to Coventry Elementary School (CES) in the spring. Ms. Hanline said, "Our butterflies ate right from our hands before they took off! It was a very exciting learning experience for us all and we hope this work will help establish an environment for the declining Monarchs, right here in our beautiful wildlife habitat, aka, the "Cougar Courtyard."

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Advanced Marketing students from Bruton High School (BHS) helped to raise $250.00 for the American Heart Association. Their efforts included selling raffle tickets during lunch periods in addition to cookie sales in the Panther Exchange.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School (WMES) staff and students begin their celebration of Red Ribbon Week by wearing red. Red Ribbon Week began October 24 and ran through October 28.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST The Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Field Hockey Team had a fundraiser for the school's Relay for Life Team. The falcons played Grafton Middle School (GMS) in a scrimmage on October 13th. All proceeds from ticket sales and concessions went to the American Cancer Society. The YMS Field Hockey team raised $600.00!

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST The Charles City/James City/New Kent/York Farm Bureau Women's Auxiliary donated a Learning Barn to Yorktown Elementary School (YES). The Learning Barn included agriculture-related books and teaching materials that show children how important agriculture truly is. Students in Rhonda Concannon's class enjoyed an extra treat when Eric Williams, Ed.D., Division Superintendent read, "The Milk Makers," by Gail Gibbons.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School's (SES) Parent Teacher Association, PTA, sponsored its 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon on October 10. The Walk-A-Thon was held on the football field behind the school and students were encouraged to collect pledges for the amount of laps they anticipated they could walk. On October 10th, many students were joined by their parents and teachers, to participate in the walk. The PTA raises funds to support students and staff at Seaford Elementary (SES), as well as, enhance the educational experience by providing additional materials and volunteering. Every student walked during the fundraiser and the students raised over $17,000.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Newport News Public School math teacher, Lloyd McKeithan, and Air Force Major Kenneth Carmichael spoke to members of Yorktown Middle School's (YMS) Young Men of Significance club on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The guest speakers encourage the members of the club to reach for their goals.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School's (SES) fourth graders in Beth Ann Wilson's class are mesmerized by the instruction of Colonial Life at Jamestown on their October 18 field trip. The students study Colonial Life as they learn about Virginia History. Students in Ms. Wilson's class were enjoying the view of the James River from the dock at Jamestown.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST The Daily 5 is an approach developed to foster literacy independence. This structure will help students develop daily habits of reading, writing, and working with peers. One of the five approaches students utilize is to "listen to reading". First grade students at Seaford Elementary School (SES) participate in the listening center.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School (SES) first grade students explore many reading strategies. Kate Lee, Morgan Hunter and Matthew Root consider using their "new reading fingers" to track words as they "read to someone" in their Daily 5 rotations.

]]> General News Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST Tabb High School (THS) DECA participated in National DECA Week, October 9 – 15, with "DECA Spirit Week" and recognized each day during National DECA Week.

To start off each day of the week, Christina Majka, Marketing Coordinator and DECA Sponsor, would read a company slogan on the morning announcements. The first class to call the marketing classroom with the correct answer won! The entire school was talking about it and would result in 15-20 incoming calls at a time. The winning class received Rice Krispy Treats that said Happy DECA Week on them for each student and teacher.

On Monday each DECA member arrived to school and discovered their lockers decorated by the DECA Advisors.

Tuesday was Lunch Trivia Day. Before each of the 3 lunch blocks at THS, 5 blue and gold DECA diamonds were placed under 5 random chairs. At the end of each lunch block one of the DECA officers got on a loud speaker and told the lunch room to check under their chairs for a DECA diamond trivia question. They would bring the question up, and the DECA Officer would announce it. If they could answer it correctly or find a DECA member that could, they got a prize!

Wednesday was DECA Diamond Bling day. The entire student body and faculty was invited to wear diamonds for candy to promote DECA throughout the school.

Thursday was a school-wide appearance by DECA Man - Alex Tudor. He wore his DECA man outfit all day and stopped by every lunch block. Students could ask him anything they wanted about DECA.

Friday was Fri-Day, Tie-Day. The entire student body was encouraged to wear a tie that day. All students and faculty caught wearing a tie got a piece of candy and thank you from DECA.

It was a very successful week of promotion and recognition for the Tabb High DECA chapter.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST The Hampton Administrative offices provided the setting for the 2011 DECA Officer Training Conference. DECA Officers from District 25, Hampton City, Poquoson City and York County schools gathered for a day of workshops, speakers and fun. The conference began with District President elections and followed with the Officer Installation Ceremony. Once the officers were installed they participated in several learning workshops to help them be successful when they returned to their own schools. New DECA officers from Tabb High School participated in the events.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST Students in Amy Holtschneider's International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology class at York High School (YHS) traveled to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) on Friday, October 14th, to get some outdoor lab experience and talk with graduate students about their research. Samual Lake, a graduate student and VIMS participant in the K-12 program, facilitated the field trip. Students practiced quadrat and transect sampling using the teaching marsh on the VIMS campus. They also did biodiversity calculations after seining at Gloucester Point Beach. One of the highlights from the trip was learning about the current research of biofuels which is conducted on the flow-way system at VIMS. The YHS students will use this practical experience to design and conduct their own field study lab.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST Seaford Elementary School (SES) Student Council Association presents bus drivers a gift card to honor Bus Driver's Appreciation Day. SCA members, Toby Pope and Lauren Mohrhusen, present Mr. Crocket a Starbucks gift card. Mr. Crocket transports students on Route 90.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST Fourth Grade students at Dare Elementary School (DES) learn about making sound production using a trumpet during music class under the direction of Richard Winfree. Alyssa Grella demonstrates sound production as her classmates observe and await their turns.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST Cub Scouts in Pack 200 and their families took part in a garden cleanup on Saturday, October 8th at Bethel Manor Elementary School. The scouts and families laid mulch, planted, weeded, trimmed tree branches and cleaned up brush. They also added an artistic, seasonal touch with two scarecrows to decorate the garden for fall. BMES sends a special thank you to Pack 200!

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST On Friday, September 30, Grafton Middle School's (GMS) Builders Club sponsored a hat day to raise money for the American Heart Association. The Club successfully raised $180.00. Jessica Quilin, Tori Chipchase and Bryanna Spalla were the winners for the most creative hat contest.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST The main purpose of Rachel's Challenge at Tabb High School (THS) is to increase student awareness of how one person's act of kindness can make a change in the lives around them. Creating an environment that brings forth kindness and compassion is started one person at a time. Tabb High School (THS) is one of the schools that has started a chapter of Rachel's Challenge, sponsored by Roxanne O'Regan, and is currently 125 members strong.

]]> General News Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST Pamela Dispirito's Introduction to Technology class at Grafton Middle School (GMS) tested their parachutes by adding different weight which affected fall time. They recorded their data and calculated the velocity.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) participated in First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign on October 12th. The First Lady is teaming with National Geographic Kids to get into the Guinness World Records book for the most people doing jumping jacks over the course of a 24-hour period. To break the record, more than 20,425 people need to get on their feet and perform jumping jacks for one minute. GMS PE classes participated on Wednesday with a total of 383 students.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST The York County School Division is proud to honor our school bus drivers, bus assistants, bus mechanics, bus dispatchers and crossing guards by celebrating National School Bus Safety Week. This year Virginia Governor, Robert McDonnell, had declared October 17-21 as School Bus Safety Week.

The York County School Division Transportation Team works hard every day to ensure student safety. Join us while we focus on keeping our students safe while on our community's roads.

October 20th is School Bus Transportation Employee's Appreciation Day. Take the time to thank our transportation staff for the great job they do.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School (SES) supported the Annual Heart Walk in Newport News Park on Saturday, October 8. Seaford staff and students raised over $500 to support the American Heart Association. Members of the Student Council and staff participated in the walk.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST Big Cities was the theme for this year's Homecoming at Tabb High School (THS). Seniors showed their tiger spirit in Las Vegas, Juniors showed theirs in New Orleans while Sophomores spirited away Hollywood and Freshmen dressed up New York like never before. Judges were escorted through the hall extravaganza and selected SENIOR WALL as the most spirited wall this year.

The week was filled with spirited attire each day. Monday was Decades Day, Tuesday was Toga Day, Wednesday was Gender-Bender Day, Thursday was Seniors as Seniors and Underclassmen dressed as Babies all leading to Big Orange Friday and the Pep Rally! Classes decorated the halls to show their Orange Tiger Spirit for the Big City they choose.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST The focus of the Grafton Middle School's (GMS) Oyster Restoration Club is to instill environmental awareness and stewardship in students of our Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The club gives members an opportunity to participate in meaningful activities which promote authentic scientific investigation and data collection, mixed with messy, wet, cold, dirty fun! In September, we "adopt" thousands of baby oysters. They are kept in Taylor Floats on Chisman Creek, where we monitor water quality and their growth rate monthly, while keeping them clean and protected from predators (primarily blue fin crab and rays). In May, the club takes a trip to Felgate Creek, on the Colonial Parkway, where we plant the oysters in a historic sanctuary reef.

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST Congratulations to the following students who auditioned and were selected for members of the Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) Jazz Band for the 2011-2012 school year.

Saxophones: Joey Morrow, David Jackson, Michael Milligan, Gina Godwin, Logan Greenfield
Trumpets: Reilly Kartchner, Richard Battleson, James Burke, Andrew Pappas, John Morrow
Tuba: Christopher Loder
Trombones: Carson Degenhart, Daniel Hudson, Renard Wallace
Lead Guitar: Austin Jarvis
Bass Guitar: Luther Millison
Piano: Jimmy McKenzie, Jenny Schuster, Libby Bieri
Drum Set: Jonathan Borkert, Nic Falcione

]]> General News Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST The Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) is hosting two parent speaker events at the Grafton Middle School Kiva. These events are open to public and parents are encouraged to attend.

October 25, 2011, 6:30-7:30 pm
Dr. Ellen Fithian: Preparing Students for College

November 14, 2011, 6:30-7:30 pm
Dr. and Mrs. Buoncristiani: Habits of the Mind

October 25, 2011, 6:30-7:30 pm: Dr. Ellen Fithian: Preparing Students for College
Dr. Ellen Fithian has always loved school! She has earned a B.A. from Wellesley College, an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from the College of William and Mary (emphasis in gifted education).

She began her professional life as a physician. However, while taking time off from medicine to be a full-time mother she became involved in education and decided to pursue a doctorate in that field. After earning her degree in 2003, she served as the Director of Precollegiate Learner Programs at the Center for Gifted Education for a year before launching her independent consulting business.

The college admissions process has been an area of particular interest for her. As part of her Ph.D. program, she conducted research on college admissions and completed an internship in the admissions office at the College of William and Mary. She has also had the first-hand experience of guiding her own four children through local public schools to Princeton, Brown, and Harvard. She has conducted numerous workshops on admissions at her office as well as at the College of William and Mary, Peninsula schools, and libraries. In addition, she has provided individual college planning services to numerous families and is Coordinator of a College Planning Program that she initiated at the Governor's School for Science and Technology in Hampton, Virginia.

Dr. Fithian is active in state and national educational advisory groups. She serves on the Virginia Advisory Committee for Education of the Gifted and on the Editorial Board for Parenting for High Potential, a publication of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

The York County Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) is excited to have Dr. Fithian share her expertise in preparing students for college. She will focus on what parents of elementary, middle, and high school students need to know about the changing landscape of college admissions. Come and take advantage of her knowledge and suggestions to make this sometimes stressful event a more pleasant experience for both parents and students alike.

November 14, 2011, 6:30-7:30 pm: Dr. and Mrs. Buoncristiani: Habits of the Mind
Dr. Martin Buoncristiani is an emeritus professor of physics at Christopher Newport University. He has been dedicated to science and mathematics education for over forty years. In his involvement in curricular development for the university he has been a strong advocate for adapting teaching methods to our current understanding of how people learn. His scientific research has focused on lasers and optical science and he was awarded the NASA Public Service Medal for his work developing instruments for atmospheric study. Throughout his career he has addressed K-12 science education, beginning with promotion of computers in the classroom in the 1970's and extending to the introduction of critical thinking skills in the current decade.

Pat Buoncristiani has spent over thirty years as an educator committed to the belief that learning how to think is the foundation for every successful learner. She has been a classroom teacher, a teachers' college lecturer and, most recently, a school principal in both Australia and the USA. Her experience includes work with school systems in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. She has had extensive experience training educators in early literacy development, behavior management and the development of thinking based curricula.

Together they have undertaken significant training and have extensive personal experience leading learning with the "Habits of Mind". These sixteen habits are not seen as a "quick fix", but rather tools to help guide parents and educators on a path toward significant and enduring change in their children's behaviors. The York County Gifted Education Advisory Committee is thrilled to have Dr. and Mrs. Buoncristiani speak to parents about using the sixteen habits at home as the gifted education staff strives to implement the habits at the EXTEND Center.

]]> Events Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Tabb High School (THS) DECA, an association of marketing students, was the first DECA Chapter in the State to reach "Super Star Status" for membership this school year. The THS chapter attended DECA Day at the State Fair on October 4th. DECA members attending the fair could participate in role play scenarios as practice for the real events at the District and State level competitions. Information from the various exhibitors and vendors was collected to be used as resources for competitive event manuals. The day also included fun and food.

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST The students in Sonia Mars' Spanish classes at Tabb High School (THS) are exchanging letters with students in New York. The recipients of these letters are "English as Second Language" students. Tabb High students will practice their Spanish language letter writing skills and the students in New York will practice their English language letter writing skills. The letters will be exchanged electronically. This wonderful learning experience will be highlighted with a live Skype session between the teachers and students of both classes.

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Ruth Wiggans, 88 year-old grandmother of first grader Owen Wiggans, visited Trisha Mohrhusen's second grade class at Seaford Elementary School(SES). She brought many treasures from the past to share with the children, including a quilt, bell, camera and paper doll. The students have been studying the past, present, and future. Ms. Wiggans, a former pre-school teacher, enjoyed the opportunity to share with the students "living history".

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Congratulations to Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS) art students for winning a first place trophy in the middle school art division at "An Occasion for the Arts" in Williamsburg. Matt DeJager won an honorable mention for his contour drawing collage and the sixth grade color wheel drew a big crowd. Good job art students!

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Yorktown Middle School (YMS) Middle Years Programme (MYP) eighth grade students are participating in a blogging project with students at Ssangmun ECC in Seoul, South Korea. Together, they are analyzing articles and videos in each of their core content areas and using their blog to build relationships.

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Siblings, Parker Grace and Jackson Stratton, participated in Seaford Elementary School's (SES) Student Council Association (SCA) Spirit Week. Parker Grace, 4th grade, and Jackson, 1st grade, showed their spirit by participating in Hat Day.

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Kimberly Stratton's 5th grade class at Seaford Elementary School (SES) showed their spirit on Crazy Neck Tie Day. October 3rd - 7th was School Spirit Week at SES. Spirit week was sponsored by the Student Council Association (SCA).

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Students at Grafton Middle School (GMS) in Jill Barnes' English class created a playlist of songs matching events from the short story "Amigo Brothers" with songs from their Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) iPods.

]]> General News Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST On Friday, September 16, at the invitation of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Eric Williams, Ed.D., superintendent of York County School Division (YCSD), attended the White House announcement of a national Digital Promise initiative to use technology to support learning. Digital Promise is a new national center created by Congress with bipartisan support to advance technologies that can transform teaching and learning. The initiative is being lead by a number of prominent leaders in education and technology. The Digital Promise initiative will focus on three key challenges: Identifying breakthrough technologies, Learning faster what's working and what's not and Transforming the market for learning technologies. YCSD was chosen as one of seven schools and school districts cited by the White House in materials regarding the initiative. YCSD has been invited to join a League of Innovative Schools dedicated to innovation in learning technologies. YCSD is planning to participate in some, but not all, of the initiatives listed here.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST Sherri Mitchell's first grade students at Coventry Elementary School learned all about the Statue of Liberty and her importance as a symbol of the United States of America.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST Congratulations to the following band students who are the winners for the Queens Lake Middle School "Back to School Dance" poster contest:

6th & 7th Grade Beginning Band Class - Block 3A: 1st Place - Benjamin Hudson, 2nd Place - Kellie Smith, 3rd Place - Daniel Charlier
6th & 7th Grade Beginning Band Class - Block 3B: 1st Place - Annabelle Hicks, 2nd Place - Daniel Williams, 3rd Place - Emily Slack
7th & 8th Grade Intermediate Band Class - Block 1B: 1st Place - Gina Godwin
7th Grade Advanced Band Class - Block 4A: 1st Place - Jimmy Mckenzie

]]> General News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST Gina Marks' second grade class at Coventry Elementary School enjoyed a relaxing read during the school day. The student's read their favorite books such as "Skippy Jon Jones", "Garfield's Tales of Mystery" and "Oh the Places You'll Go" while relaxing on their desks with reading pillows.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST On September 26, Susan Rhew, principal of Tabb Middle School (TMS) was notified that TMS has been selected as the Middle School of the Month for WHRO's "School Talk Monthly" program for the month of October. Each month, WHRO produces a 30-minute magazine program for educators called "School Talk Monthly." This national award-winning program features one-on-one interviews with outstanding educators and students, on-location segments highlighting exciting school projects and activities, video clips and Internet sites for teachers correlated to Virginia Standards of Learning and upcoming professional development events. Each month, four local schools (one elementary, middle, high, and independent) are recognized on the show as Schools of the Month. Schools are selected based on achievements, contributions and involvement in student education.

The segment showcasing TMS will air on WHRO Channel 15 on Sunday, October 2nd at 2 p.m. The "School Talk" segment will also be available online via video streaming at www.schooltalk.org. In addition, School of the Month information is posted on the website each month with links to the schools' websites.

Congratulations Tabb Middle on being selected as WHRO's School of the Month!

]]> General News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST Yorktown Middle School's (YMS) orientations were well attended. Teachers greeted a record number of students and their families this year. Students, parents and staff were was eager to begin the new school year.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Representatives from each of Yorktown Middle School's (YMS) 1B classes, as well as representatives from York River Academy (YRA) and New Horizons Center for Autism, "pieced" a paper Freedom Flag, designed by former art teacher, Mary Hayes, and library assistant, Teri Forman, in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The day began with the faculty chorus singing The National Anthem after morning announcements. Flag "piecing" began at 8:30: YMS seventh graders placed the first red pieces, YRA students placed the white pieces and a CFA student placed the last blue piece to complete the design. Faculty memories of September 11th, 2001 were displayed so that "We Will Never Forget."

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Students and faculty at Grafton Middle School (GMS) recognized the 10 year anniversary of September 11, 2001. The entire school listened intently as the morning announcements began with a memorable explanation of the events of that day and the heroic actions of first responders. After a moving recital of our Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence, students throughout the day signed a banner thanking our first responders. The banner with hundreds of signatures and words of appreciation was presented to Grafton's Fire Station #1.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary School's (GBES) PTA celebrated with a donut and juice treat for all students in grades 4 and 5 who scored 600 on last spring's SOL tests. Nearly eighty students were presented certificates as they joined Grafton Bethel's 600 Club!

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST On September 11th Operation Homefront, a national organization which provides assistance to military service members and their families in need, sponsored a Freedom Walk to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Tabb High School (THS) JV and Varsity Sideline Cheerleaders participated in the mile long Freedom Walk around Langley Speedway.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Doug Roper, social studies teacher at Tabb High School (THS), uses technology to present his geography lessons to his ninth grade students. To reinforce the topics presented in class, Doug helps his students create and use their Quia accounts to access information to be used in class and later reviewed at home. He also utilizes the "Wallwisher" program as a way for students to participate electronically as a group in response to specific teacher posts and questions. Students enjoy the interactive lessons presented with the use of Smart Board technology. Incorporating new ways of presenting information helps hold student interest and promote learning.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST The dedication ceremony of Seaford Elementary School's (SES) Freedom Shrine occurred on September 14th. This event involved members of the Exchange Club, invited guests and Delegate Brenda Pogge, whom explained the importance of the historical documents on the Freedom Shrine to Seaford's fifth graders. After the ceremony, Delegate Pogge presented the fourth and fifth graders with copies of the Constitution.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Donna Manicone's first grade class from Seaford Elementary School (SES) dressed as the Statue of Liberty on Constitution Day. They worked together all week to make their crowns and torches as they discussed the Statue of Liberty as one of the United States symbols.

]]> General News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) hosted a club fair during lunch this week. Students had a chance to sign up for after school activities. Samantha Heard and Sydnie Swartwood discussed the after school club opportunities with GMS activities director Beth Higginbotham.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Each year, some 16,000 Semifinalists are selected to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Competition is based upon student performance on the PSAT test during junior year.

Please join the York High School (YHS) principal, Antonia Fox, and the entire Falcon family in congratulating Cassandra McCullers and Linh Vinh on becoming Semifinalists. We wish them all the best!

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary School (GBES) fourth graders created a banner to be presented to the Sheriff's department as a tribute for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST For six weeks this summer, two different groups of Grafton Middle School (GMS) students and volunteer faculty members met for a summer book club experience at the local York County Starbucks.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Tabb Middle School (TMS) students who made a contribution to the Hats Off to Wounded Warriors fundraiser were allowed to wear their hats during school to support the project. That afternoon the TMS athletic department supported the Wounded Warrior Project by holding a charity scrimmage game between the Tabb Middle School and Grafton Middle School Football Teams, where donations were accepted at the gate.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Grafton Middle School (GMS) students enjoyed their final celebration party at Barnes and Noble for the GMS Summer Tune-up Book Club. Thanks to a generous grant from the VEA, students enjoyed reading and munchies through a hot summer.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST The York County School Division is offering Adult Education classes free of charge. For information please contact Kathy Phillips, Adult Education Coordinator, at 833-2259. Class offerings include:

• English as a Second Language classes: starting Sep. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Rd. or Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Tabb High School, room 202, 4431 Big Bethel Road, Yorktown.
• GED® classes: starting Sep. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lifelong Learning Center at York High School, 9300 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown.
• GED® testing: Call for times and location.

]]> Events Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST First grade Seaford Elementary School (SES) teachers work together to solve the puzzle! Team building activities were included during Professional Development days when the teachers returned to school in August.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST On Friday, September 9th, York High School (YHS) welcomed its newest class of Freshmen to the school at the Take Flight Pep Rally. The YHS band and the YHS cheerleading team lead the pep rally with school spirit as the sophomore, junior and senior classes cheered on our newest members of the Falcon Family. Welcome YHS freshman...Class of 2015!

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School (SES) students arrive for an exciting first day of school. Students are anxious to meet their new teachers, see their friends and learn what the new school year will bring.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST The York County School Division Virtual High School (VHS) Program was the recipient of the NACO Award for their collaboration with the York County Public Libraries. Kevin Smith and Reggie Fox worked together to create a program where VHS students could complete online coursework in the library if they did not have computer access or if they needed a quiet place to work. Many of the VHS students have taken advantage of this opportunity and been most successful.

The Achievement award was presented by the National Association of Counties (NACO) to Reggie Fox and Kevin Smith for their 2011 participation in the "Virtual High School: York County Public Library & School Division Partnership" program. Congratulations to Reggie and Kevin.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet (WMES) principal, Jennifer Goodwin, began the school year with a staff development at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for her teachers. The WMES staff participated in a Critical Thinking + Art + Knowledge Retention workshop featuring Daniel Pink's "Six Senses" for Success in the 21st Century.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST