http://www.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 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 EST Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST webmaster@ycsd.york.va.us © 2009 York County School Division http://www.yorkcountyschools.org/images/YCSD_Logo_thumb.jpg http://www.yorkcountyschools.org 108 108 Seaford Elementary School formally recognizes a student from each class who displays good citizenship. Each month staff members nominate students who stand out as good citizens in all of their actions at school. The students chosen are those who naturally demonstrate a caring, helpful attitude toward others and their school environment. November's winners are as follows:

Kindergarten: Zach Harbin, Krishna Patel, Alex Riddett, and Jimmy DiMaggio.
1st Grade: Chase Crawford, Ryleigh Lemonds, David Winer, Seth Porter and Ben Poteat.
2nd Grade: Brandon Tolbert, Ryan McKnight, Olivia Henkel and Tyler Kurtyka.
3rd Grade: Maggie Gundling, Jacob Camp, Ashley Dupree and Ryan Sheck.
4th Grade: Calvin Yokum, Jenny Bush, Jarrett Medford, Allison Ormsby and Ben Lofton.
5th Grade: Christina Angel, Courtney Drewry, Rain Burleson and Hanna Angel.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST York High School International Baccalaureate students Abigail Chen, Wei Chang and Brian Xu won first place at the Christopher Newport University Mathematics Contest. Under the guidance of Mary Deal, Math Department Chair, the students displayed their superior math skills. Even more remarkable, the students won with only three members on their team, yet all of the competition consisted of four members per team. Congratulations Falcons!

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST The Tabb Middle School Girls' Basketball Team finished a perfect 12-0 season by knocking off James Blair 40-29 to win the Bay Rivers District Title. Tabb's leadership led by the team captains Erin Fenton, Brooke Mahan and Tawana Rankin lead the championship victory. Their offense produced an average of 35 points per game and the perfect season was completed by winning every game by double digits. The Lady Tiger's play was marked by unselfishness as every player scored this season and the team averaged an impressive 9.8 assists per game. Coach Clarke, "This season was a total team effort from the beginning. We had 15 players and every one of them contributed to our season and our success. They made each other better every day in practice and each game they proved that."

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School (WMES) students are collecting canned goods from November 17-25 to donate to FISH. Every WMES student will assist in the delivery of the canned goods. FISH, a social and human services organization is located next door to the school and will receive the donations as each class comes in.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet students will participate in a school wide walkathon on November 20th. The PTA is raising money for an outdoor classroom to be built on the Waller Mill Elementary School grounds. The College of William & Mary men's gymnastics team will begin the event by helping all 321 students and their parents warm up for the walk. November is National PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Jennifer Overbay's Kindergarten class at Coventry Elementary School explores a York County Fire Truck during Fire Safety Month.

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST The Yorktown Middle School (YMS) 7th and 8th grade chorus students auditioned with nearly 1,000 other students from across the region for the 125 available slots in Workshop District Chorus. Students selected will participate in a concert at Woodside High School under the direction of guest conductor Angela Lemare in February 2010 with other students from across the district. YMS students selected are:

Soprano: Cara Stablien
Altos: Arianna Flores-Moya, Symone Holiday, Illeana Geary, Mikayla Raimo and Celia Neser
Baritones: Tyler Milam and Connor Cole (2nd alternate)

Congratulations to all who auditioned!

]]> General News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary students explored the world of music and melody through the Virginia Opera's "Giovanni and the Beanstalk". The cast fielded questions from the students and many wondered how it was possible to sing that loud and pretty without a microphone.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Homecoming week in October was full of fun and merriment at Tabb High School. Displays of Spirit attire from wacky-tacky to movie characters filled the halls. Students and faculty alike got into the Spirit dress days all week.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Danielle Vallino's visual art class at Yorktown Middle School students in the Middle Years Candidate Programme (MYP) constructed creative bookmarks for a cultural exchange with students in both Portugal and France. Utilizing their artistic skills, the project was completed with the support of Donna Myers, Media Specialist, in support of the International School Library Month theme, School Libraries: The Big Picture.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Congratulations to Tia Maxfield and Noah Stoner, of Queens Lake Middle School who were named to District Chorus. Noah Stoner scored a perfect 200.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST The concepts of Algebra come alive for students in Robin Brockmiller's Middle Years Programme (MYP) Algebra I class at Yorktown Middle School. Students learned about stress points as they worked to solve the real-world situation of how to rescue a child stranded on an ice pond. Students developed "Cell as a City" projects, in which they were challenged with the task to create a city or other organization that contains the same functions as the organelles in a cell. They developed visual comparisons of the Scientific Method and the MYP Design Cycle in their MYP 7th grade science class with Lesley White. Through this project, students observed the similarities between the two and the frequency with which we utilize processes to solve problems.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST The Reflections National Contest sponsored by the PTA announced the Yorktown Middle School winners and hosted an awards ceremony in November. Students competed in six different categories and each of the school winners go on to compete in the county level and then at the national level.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST The York Foundation for Public Educators, Inc. (YFPE) awarded a total of $3,381 to several York County Schools for the Fall 2009 Innovative Instructional Grants Program. The funds are awarded for projects that are designated to motivate, enrich and enhance student learning. Peggy Myatt, Director of the YFPE, along with YFPE Board Members Catherine Jones, Carrie Dayton and Bill Monroe along with the winning schools’ principals, presented the recipients with their grants during surprise visits of the YFPE Prize Patrol.

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Queens Lake Middle School is hosting a Holiday Craft Show sponsored by the PTA on November 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring music, catering and unique gifts.

]]> Events Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Yorktown Middle School Band Director, Wayne Powell announced the following students as band students for the month of October 2009:

• Advanced Band: Huma Ashai and Tatum Conner
• Intermediate Band: Tyler Castandeda, Ethan Jones and Matthew Shih
• Beginning Band (7th and 8th): Krystal Ortiz
• Beginning Band (6th): Josh Clough, Madison Conner and Ross Millner

]]> General News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST In October, the 5th grade students from Magruder Elementary School went on a field trip to New Quarter Park where they were able to interact with experts in the fields of forestry, geology and history. Part of the experience was spent gathering acorns for the Department of Forestry. The students enjoyed it so much they continue to gather acorns from home and school.

]]> General News Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has recognized the York County School Division (YCSD) with a Golden Achievement Award for the Building Access System Launch in 2009 and an Honorable Mention for the YCSD Strategic Planning Process Announcement.

Graphic Design USA, a national magazine for creative professionals, awarded the YCSD with a American Graphic Design Award for the 2009 Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar poster, created by Keli Slusher, Multimedia Design Specialist for the YCSD Community and Public Relations Department. The competition for this category is among the largest with 8,000 plus entries and only the top 15% selected for awards. The Community and Public Relations department is under the direction of Betsy Overkamp-Smith.

]]> General News Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Seaford Elementary School's annual Hat Day was a tremendous success again this year. Students sported everything to include the traditional baseball cap, cultural hats, firefighter helmets, soldiers, Disney characters and even one pizza hat, complete with toppings.

]]> General News Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST Queens Lake Middle School announces the Student Council Association Board for 2009-2010. Congratulations to the following students. Ethan Rice, President, Vice-President, Simone Williams, Treasurer, Anthony Richardson, Activity/Morale Coordinator, Shreya Patel, and Secretary, Breanna Jarvis.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Alto Saxophones: Rachel Perry and Austin Gardner
Tenor Saxophones: Scott Racoosin and R'landa Mapp
Baritone Saxophone: Joshua Dolson
Trumpets: Peter McReynolds, Kyle Clark, Jabari Pace, Bryce Baker and Mason Farley
Trombones: Isaiah Williams and Karif McCoy
Bass Guitar: Alex Norris
Drum Set: Kavron Carr and Shaquille White

]]> General News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, performed by Theater IV, is a great story known all around the world. Grafton Bethel Elementary School's students enjoyed the frightfully hilarious musical performance. The Cultural Arts division of the Parent Teacher Association sponsored this event.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Principal Antonia Fox congratulates the National Merit and National Achievement Semifinalists at York High School.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST The York High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) will host a Cinderella's Closet dress sale on November 7, 2009 from 9 am to 2 pm in the high school’s KIVA. This sale will provide the opportunity for all community members to purchase high-quality formal and semi-formal dresses. Dresses will be sold on a consignment-basis, with 30% of all proceeds going to the PTSA. This event is open to the public.

]]> General News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST First graders at Seaford Elementary School recently paid tribute to the legendary Johnny Appleseed by participating in a variety of apple activities which included making apple art, listening to stories about the famous folk hero and sampling several varieties of apples that are produced in the state of Virginia.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST Kevin Luo, a York High Class of 2009 graduate, was recently honored at the White House as a 2009 Presidential Scholar by the U.S. Department of Education. Kevin is one of three high school seniors chosen in Virginia and one of 141 chosen nationwide for their accomplishments in academics, arts, leadership, citizenship and community service. Additionally, Kevin was joined by Cynthia Hardesty, IB Physics instructor, who he named as his most influential teacher.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST The Grafton Bethel Elementary School’s Spell-a-thon raises funds by accepting monetary pledges through family sponsors for weekly spelling tests. All participating students receive a Wendy’s Frosty card and a principal’s homework pass. Classes are also treated to popcorn and snocone parties for each grade level that raises the most money. "This is very beneficial for the school and its faculty and students. It works well because it allows the student's friends and family to donate 100% to the school instead of a small percentage from an item they didn’t want anyway." says Tina Hoffman, this year's Spell-a-thon coordinator.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST The decision to choose products that will protect children’s health and the environment is a major undertaking in schools today. Unsafe chemicals pose a serious risk to the health of teachers, staff and students. More importantly, they have a significant adverse impact on the local environment. The York County School Division strives to continuously improve the quality of our schools and to be good stewards of the environment.

Over the years, the school division has employed environmentally friendly products for many aspects of daily cleaning. Recently the school division adopted the use of green products and diminished waste by replacing liquid soap with foam soap and by using single sheet paper towel dispensers in all restrooms. One of the most significant items now being addressed by the division is floor finishes. Floor cleaning products are a major contributor to indoor air quality. Currently Yorktown and Dare Elementary Schools are working with a consultant to evaluate the need for additional use of green cleaning products and to update techniques that will diminish chemical use and cleaning time.

Green products currently used at York County School Division:

• 3M cleaning chemicals: Neutral Floor Cleaner, All Purpose Cleaner and Glass Cleaner.
• Hand towels and toilet paper manufactured by Cascades Company and distributed locally by Riverside Paper, Inc.
• Hand soap manufactured by Kutol Company and also distributed locally by Riverside Paper, Inc.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST Autumn was celebrated in style at Grafton Bethel Elementary School’s annual Fall Festival. Harvest crafts, a hayride and fresh made apple cider were among the many activities sponsored by the PTA. The Honor students from Grafton High School and Bill Grass, the apple cider maker, volunteered their time to help make this a successful event.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST Tabb High School students have received national recognition for their academic performance. Alex Brown and Ryan Souther are National Commended students, Yvonne Mack and Mark Tilashalski are National Merit Semifinalists and Martina Mitchell is a National Achievement Scholarship Program Semifinalist. Congratulations to all of these achievers.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) have launched their website at Tabb High School, thanks to Bobby Jones and his construction skills. To gain access, go to the Tabb High School website site to keep up with current events, field trips and competitions.

]]> General News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST Jerylyne Phillips of the Tabb High School Bowling Team has been selected a second year in a row as one of the top five female bowlers in our area to the All Star Team in the Peninsula Association of the United States Bowling Congress.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST Tabb Elementary School’s Peer Mediation Program has been in place for 14 years. Mediators are fifth graders who have been selected by their classmates for their reliability and leadership. The mediators receive training from guidance counselor, Lynn Brothers. They assist students who are experiencing unresolved disagreements with other students. Generally the students refer themselves for mediation, but may also be referred by teachers, administrators or parents. The Peer Mediation Program creates a more peaceful school environment by teaching students non-violent ways to handle conflict.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST York High School students were invited to participate in an art contest hosted by the Colonial Harbor. Residents voted by ballot to select the winners and prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place. First place went to Xaier Zhang and second and third place to Amanda Boyd. The staff and residents of Colonial Harbor enjoyed the event and hope to host another contest in the spring.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST Through a partnership with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), 11th grade International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Biology students at York High School are receiving instruction from Heidi Cotton, a VIMS scientist. The program, funded by the National Science Foundation, works to bring science to the community and what better way to do this than with students. Most recently, students began their long-term lab to study the biodiversity, water quality and sediment cores at Beaverdam Creek.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST Members of the York High School Student Council Association traveled to Northern Virginia to participate in the Virginia Student Council Association (VSCA). Students were able to network with their counterparts from across the state, as well as further their own leadership skills.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST Seaford Elementary School’s SCA sponsored a Cutest Pet Contest to raise money for the American Heart Association. Over 230 contestants participated by donating one dollar per entry. Pets included: cats, dogs, birds, lizards and horses. Pets were judged in three categories: Cutest Pose, Cutest Outfit and Most Unusual Pet. The contest was judged by York County School Division Superintendent, Eric Williams, Ed.D., YCSD Coordinator of Community and Public Relations, Betsy Overkamp-Smith, Seaford Elementary ACI Coordinator, Suzy Trench. Winner of the Cutest Pose was 4th grader Sean Connelly and his cat Victoria. Winner of the Cutest Outfit was 1st grader Adrienne Byrum and her dog Jake. Winner of the Most Unusual Pet was 2nd grader Kelsey Hensberger and her bearded dragons, Jagger and Spot. Each winner received a Seaford Elementary stuffed bulldog and a $10 gift card to PetCo.

]]> General News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST Sandra Cherry’s fourth grade Literature Circle celebrates E. B. White's, Charlotte's Web with a pig party!

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST An ENERGY STAR qualified school meets strict energy performance standards set by EPA and uses less energy, is less expensive to operate and causes fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers. The EPA's ENERGY STAR program recognizes buildings that have achieved a rating of 75 or better. This means that the building operates in the top 25% of all comparable buildings participating in the ENERGY STAR program. Prior to this year, YCSD had 6 buildings that had been recognized at least once as an ENERGY STAR Building. The following ten schools have been recognized as 2009 Energy Star buildings:

• Bruton High School – third consecutive year
• Grafton High/Middle School Complex – second consecutive year
• Mount Vernon Elementary School – second consecutive year
• Queens Lake Middle School – third consecutive year
• Seaford Elementary School – third consecutive year
• Tabb High School – first year
• Tabb Middle School – second consecutive year
• York High School – first year
• Yorktown Elementary School – first year
• Yorktown Middle School – first year

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST Jennifer Tom’s third grade class at Seaford Elementary School celebrated their heroes by wearing their favorite jerseys on Favorite Sports Team Day.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST In September, the Coca Cola Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability team visited Tabb Elementary School. The volunteers read to the first grade classes of Connie Rowe and Pam O'Marah. Fourth grade students Lisanne Pearson and Dylan Winslow assisted the volunteers with the planting of two Crepe Myrtle trees.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST Representatives from the Seaford Coca Cola distribution facility visited Magruder Elementary School on the Coca Cola Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Day. They visited first grade classrooms and read Curious George Plants a Tree. Fifth grade students assisted as two Crepe Myrtles were planted in front of the school.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST As a part of Coca Cola’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week, representatives from the Yorktown Sales Center in Seaford, VA visited each of York County School Division’s ten elementary schools on September 29th to read to students and plant trees. Students from each school assisted the Coca Cola representatives in planting two crape myrtle trees at each school site. In addition, the Coca Cola groups went from classroom to classroom reading Curious George Plants a Tree. A copy of the book was then donated to each school’s library.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST York County School Division is urging staff to promote energy awareness in the classroom, at home and in their daily activities. Promotional items, web resources, posters, lesson plans and basic energy saving tips have been made available to staff. Visit for information and resources.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST Tabb Elementary School recently recognized those students who scored a perfect 600 on their 2009 Standards of Learning tests. The 37 students were treated to a breakfast with Principal Cheryl Parr and given a certificate to acknowledge their accomplishment.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST The Seaford Elementary School formally recognizes a student from each class who displays good citizenship each month. Staff members nominate students who stand out in all of their actions at school. After consideration, the students chosen are those who naturally demonstrate a caring, helpful attitude toward others and their school environment. This month's winners are as follows:

• Kindergarten - Megan Freeman, Katie Nobles, Hima Prasad and Olivia Resa
• 1st Grade - Haley Auche, Olivia Burns, Lauren Gladysz, Camille Jenkins and Jenny Wagner
• 2nd Grade - Sarah Cunningham and Erin Murray

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST The award for Middle School Youth Art was presented to Queens Lake Middle School this year at "An Occasion for the Arts" in Williamsburg. Over 600 pieces of art representing over 24 schools were on display. This is the third straight year that QLMS has won the award for middle school art.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST In celebration of Fire Safety Week, firefighters visited Magruder Elementary School. Students were able to see all the equipment used to fight fires, including the gear worn by firefighters when they enter houses to rescue residents.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST The Joint Military Services School Liaison Committee (JMSSLC) is pleased to announce that Guidance Counselors, Cary Dukes of Bethel Manor Elementary School and Lynn Kenneally of Tabb High School have each received a mini-grant to support the following programs that assist military families.

Bethel Manor Elementary School
"Breaking the Ice with Ice Cream", an ice cream social welcome for all new families - 190 new kids this year! Faculty and some "old" families helped welcome the new ones. Teachers served the ice cream in the lunch lines and raffle prizes of books and school supplies were awarded to 10 kids.
"Military Kids" Groups – All of the students at BMES are military dependents; therefore approximately 50 kids at any given time have a parent deployed. Military Kids is a support group at each grade level. Participants receive engraved, distinctive colored “dog tags” to wear while their parent is deployed. Students are able to see others wearing the dog tag at school giving them the comfort of knowing they are not alone and that others are available to talk to if needed.

Tabb High School
The Tabb High program increases opportunities to provide services to military transfer students from their unique perspective as military dependents, through group activities that will help the students themselves evaluate the kinds of services that they need. They will assist Friendship Network members in developing information sessions designed to address these needs and topics. Students will develop a video in conjunction with the Multimedia Design class, portraying their experience as a military dependent at Tabb High School. The video will then be used as a tool by new military transfer students.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST Congratulations to Lisa Field, Science Teacher at York High School for receiving $1,000 from the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Hampton Roads Chapter. Lisa Field is one of nine educators who received the 2009 Science Teaching Tools Awards. Recipients are invited to attend the Chapter’s monthly luncheon at Holiday Inn in October. The AFCEA efforts encourage others to support teachers who assist students in developing an interest in math and science.

]]> General News Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:45:00 EST Do you want to travel to Germany for four weeks? Become a part of the Yorktown-Zweibrucken Student Exchange program and spend four weeks of the summer abroad in Germany. Information and applications are available in the guidance office of each high school in the York County School Division until November 6, 2009. For more information, please contact program coordinators Sandy Hespe at 898-0469 or Darnell Veach at 898-0462.

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Wayne Powell, Yorktown Middle School Band Director is pleased to announce the Band Students of the Month for September 2009.

• Advanced Band - Kyle Abbott and Ethan Buck
• Intermediate Band - Young Chae, Stuart Warshawsky and Patrick Wood
• Beginning 6th Grade Band - Leigh Ann Abbott, Ryan born, Davis Price and Alex Rouin

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Coca Cola Enterprises (CCE) employees teamed up with students at Dare Elementary and Magruder Elementary schools to plant trees as part of a joint venture with the York County School Division to help educate students at all ten elementary schools about the importance of protecting and improving the environment. This event is part of CCE's global, company-wide initiative called "CRS in Action Week" taking place this week, where many of CCE's 73,000 employees are participating in local community events to demonstrate the company's commitment to our communities and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS).

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Students at Tabb High School (THS) were treated to a club fair hosted by the Friendship Network. The commons was filled with displays and chatter as the students moved around the tables interacting with the various club members and sponsors during lunch blocks in September. This was the seventh annual club fair sponsored by the Friendship Network and is only one of its many efforts to welcome the new and transferring students to Tabb High School. Lynn Kenneally, the Friendship Network's sponsor says that the club fair gives the students an opportunity to get information on over 40 clubs and organizations being offered at THS.

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST In conjunction with the International Baccalaureate (IB) community theme of "Sharing Our Humanity," the IB 11 Spanish students and the Spanish IV students participated in the International Day of Peace. Researching a visual representation of peace and then compiling their images, students applied their Spanish skills to describe the images and their relationship to the global, community theme.

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Michael Martinez's World History classes took a trip to the Renaissance Museum without leaving the building. Students exited the classroom, took a short imaginary bus ride and were greeted by the museum curator (Mr. Martinez) as they returned to the room. Each student was provided with museum directory and instructed to browse the exhibits and take notes on each renaissance artist's bust. Earlier in the week, teams of students in each class were given a bust (paper facsimile) of one of the notable artists of the Renaissance period. They researched the artist, recorded the information at the base of the bust and colored the bust to represent their interpretation of the artist's appearance. The museum activity was designed to help students identify renaissance artists and to be able to explain their contributions to renaissance art.

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Sandy Cherry's 4th grade class at Grafton Bethel Elementary School enjoyed observing the four stages of the monarch butterfly life cycle - the egg, the larvae (caterpillar), the pupa (chrysalis), and the adult butterfly. The students enjoyed feeding the butterfly sugar water as they watched closely until the butterfly flew away into the Grizzly Get-A-Way! It was truly amazing!

]]> General News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST This year, the York County School Division offers a new service for parents – edline. Through edline, parents are able to monitor their child's grades, access combined calendars and receive e-mails from schools and teachers.

The parents of middle and high school students should have received their edline activation codes at Back to School Night. If you did not attend Back to School Night and have not received your activation code, please contact your child's school.

Parents of students in grades 3-5 will receive activation codes at parent-teacher conferences in November. Grades for K-2 students will not be posted on edline, but parents of K-2 students can access all the information posted on elementary school web sites without logging in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edline posts answers to frequently asked questions on its site through the "Help" link. To assist parents with this function, below are the most frequently asked questions and the applicable edline link.

How do I activate my account? How do I login? I’ve lost my password, how do I get a new one? I’ve received an error message, what does it mean? https://www.edline.net/HelpLoginFAQ.page

Where do the links on my homepage take me? https://www.edline.net/HelpGroupHome-student.page

How do I find my student's grades? https://www.edline.net/Support.page

My child's teacher hasn't posted grades in several days. Why not? Please contact your child's teacher to determine how often she/he will be posting grades. Some assignments will take longer to grade than others.

I live in a household separate from my child, how can I get another activation code? All you need to do is request a second parent code from your child's school. Once you activate your code, you will be able to see all of your child’s private reports.

Help Guides
Account Setup
Student/Parent Quick-Start Guide

If you have other questions about edline, please contact us!

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 9:30:00 EST The Grafton Bethel Elementary School PTA raffled five car washes at the Teacher Luncheon, in an effort to reach 100% teacher participation.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:45:00 EST Utilizing the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Eric Carle, Seaford Elementary School kindergartners practice learning their colors by highlighting a specific color each day.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:36:00 EST Four area schools have been recognized by the Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program. Coventry Elementary, Mt. Vernon Elementary, Seaford Elementary and Grafton Middle schools were among the 52 Virginia schools that were recognized for their efforts in supporting environmental conservation and stewardship for 2009. The schools were required to submit a plan, carry it through for the year, and then meet specific criteria to be recognized in years for their continued efforts. Coventry Elementary School and Mt. Vernon Elementary School have been recognized for five years each, Grafton Middle School for one year, and Seaford Elementary School for one year.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:22:00 EST Jerry Pallotta, a.k.a. the Alphabet Man, visited Grafton Bethel Elementary School in September. He spent the day visiting classes and talking to students about his creative and intriguing alphabet story books. Students were treated to an interesting program in which he shared various photos and stories from his books. Student Max Gonnerman won "The Skull Alphabet Book" by correctly identifying a skull from the story.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:20:00 EST The Grafton Bethel Elementary PTA kicked off the new school year by sponsoring a luncheon for all teachers and staff to encourage membership in the association. Cameras, flash drives, Starbucks gift cards and free car washes were awarded as door prizes.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:18:00 EST The PTA helped celebrate the success of over eighty students who earned a 600 on their SOL tests last spring. The students received certificates, were served donuts and juice and were congratulated for their success. Grafton Bethel Elementary School has much to celebrate with a 100% pass rate of last year’s 5th graders in reading and math.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:16:00 EST York High School is pleased to announce two of their students as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Juliana Wu and Sang Mee Ko join the ranks of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who are the highest PSAT scoring students from their states. Approximately 8,200 students are selected for the Merit Scholarships each year. Congratulations for an outstanding achievement.

]]> General News Mon, 28 Sep 2009 7:15:00 EST Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) will host pizza nights in September and October at YCSD elementary schools. Dads and children are invited to attend for free pizza and drinks. The sessions will demonstrate how to volunteer at schools to be an extra set of eyes and ears. Watch DOGS promotes positive male role models and is a focus group of Child Development Resources, Inc. CDR provides services to young children and families. For more information call 757-566-3300.

The session schedule is as follows:

• 9/22/09 – 6 p.m. - Tabb Elementary
• 9/23/09 – 6 p.m. - Waller Mill Elementary
• 9/24/09 – 6 p.m. - Dare Elementary
• 10/6/09 – 6 p.m. - Seaford Elementary
• 10/8/09 – 6 p.m. - Bethel Manor Elementary
• 10/8/09 – 6:30 p.m. - Grafton Bethel Elementary
• 10/08/09 - 6:30 p.m. - Magruder Elementary
• 10/22/09 – 6 p.m. - Mt. Vernon Elementary

]]> Events Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST The Tabb High Student Council Association (SCA) executive board officers once again remembered the fallen victims of September 11th by delivering a pizza lunch to Fire Station #2 located next to the school. The SCA has sponsored these firefighters each year since that tragic day by providing lunch accompanied by sincere gratitude for the many selfless, often heroic acts performed by firefighters everywhere, everyday.

]]> General News Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:10:00 EST An art exhibit is currently on display through the end of the month at the YCSD School Board office featuring art work created by the talented art teachers of the York County School Division. There will be a reception for the exhibit on September 17 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the School Board Office foyer located at 302 Dare Road. There are nearly fifty pieces on display.

]]> Events Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:10:00 EST The York County School Division has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the US and Canada’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year 2009 Operating Budget. The GFOA award is the highest form of recognition from the organization and is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting. To earn the award, YCSD satisfied nationally recognized guidelines to assess how well the budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

]]> General News Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet teachers enjoyed refreshing Sno Cones from Grafton’s Sno Zone at the end of a day of professional development.

]]> General News Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST It's becoming an annual event - Sno Zone at Tabb High School. THS Principal, Laura Abel treats faculty, staff and their families to a refreshing Sno Zone treat to begin the new school year. Sno Zone Proprietor, Alan Pritchard delivers the frozen delicacies right to the front door.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST The Tabb High School Spanish Honor Society filled backpacks with school supplies to help the Salvation Army provide local area students with much needed school supplies. Members of the group - Colin King, Clint Yeaman, Phebe Dunkley, Marissa Spencer and Anam Jafri filled 200 book bags.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Advanced Placement (AP) course curriculum is rigorous and designed to challenge even the most gifted students. Social Studies Department Chair, Melinda Sloan and AP instructor Linnea Terndrup initiated the "AP Boot Camp" this year at Tabb High to help those enrolled in AP classes. For three days in August, the boot camp recruits focused on various skills needed to be successful in AP classes as well as regular classes. The event culminated with student presentations, demonstrating the skills learned during the camp, reinforcing their knowledge and their ability to apply the lessons learned.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST The Tabb High School Student Council Association (SCA) welcomed students to Tabb High during the New Student Orientation in September. Vice President, Stacey Harlow and Advisor, Leann Sasamoto organized the event. The commons area was filled with club and organization, booster club and local business displays with over 500 students and parents in attendance. The displays offered information on the extracurricular activities available at THS. The program began with a welcome from the SCA Vice President and the Presentation of Colors by the THS NJROTC Color Guard lead by Cadet Chief Ross Barnett. Parents and students were introduced to student leaders, administration, faculty and staff. Class President, Tom West addressed his freshman class, “We are not little kids anymore. We are in high school. More than that – we are in Tabb High School.” The THS Multimedia class created and presented a PowerPoint of opportunities, encouragement and tips for a successful start to the school year. The activities concluded with SCA guided tours of the building for the students and a question and answer session for the parents in the auditorium.

]]> General News Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:45:00 EST Tabb High School Band Camp opened this year under the direction of Band Director Adam Waller and Drum Majors Jonathan Lucas, Kirsten Lynch, and Jill Rinehart, with over 130 members, including 38 new members. The three week camp focused on marching and maneuvering fundamentals, musical technique and the musical rehearsal of the 2009 halftime show, "Music from the Incredibles". The first week, "rookie camp", provided new members the opportunity to learn the necessary marching band techniques. Week two brought the entire band together and expanded the rehearsals to include leadership workshops for section leaders and drum majors. Tabb's Marching Band Guard lead by Captains Lauren Keefer and Katie Deleo worked along side their marching band counterparts to add visual flare and sparkle to the show. This year's Guard consists of 17 returning members and eight new members. The lineup for the 2009-2010 school year includes performances at all five home Tabb High School football games, three marching band competitions, the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association State Marching Festival and the Yorktown Day Parade.

]]> General News Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST Discovery Camp is alive and well this summer at Yorktown Elementary Math Science Technology Magnet School. While students attend a four day camp they are learning about bugs, stars, comets, habitats and more. Students pictured are making "Comets" to learn more about Astronomy.

]]> General News Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST Penny Vaughn, 6th Grade Science Teacher from Tabb Middle School, was honored as the 2008-2009 Science Teacher of the Year. This award is co-sponsored by the Langley Chapter of the Air Force Association and the Virginia Air & Space Center. The purpose of the program is to recognize classroom teachers for their accomplishments and achievement by inspiring K-12 students to be excited about science and math, and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow's technologies. Vaughn was recognized at the Chapter luncheon on June 9th at the Langley AFB Officer's Club.

]]> General News Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST Grafton Bethel Elementary School K-Kids celebrated the end of a great year of school-community projects with their mentors from the Key Club at Grafton High School.

]]> General News Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST The fifth graders at Mt. Vernon Elementary School held the first York County Kids' Walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The walk was held at MVES after school on May 29. Fifth grader Danielle Manicone presented the idea of a Kids' Walk to her principal, Barbara Wood. With the help of students, parents and faculty, MVES organized and held the Kids' Walk in honor of two of Danielle's classmates, Hannah Speight and Isma-il Lewis, who live with juvenile diabetes. The students raised over $2,500 for JDRF.

]]> General News Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST SubFinder on the Web is an expansion of YCSD's current SubFinder system that will allow teachers and substitutes to access their SubFinder information via the Internet. A SubFinder on the Web tutorial for teachers can be found at http://breeze.crs-ivr.com/employee58. A SubFinder on the Web tutorial for substitutes can be found at http://breeze.crs-ivr.com/substitute58. YCSD employees can access SubFinder on the web at https://subfinderweb.ycsd.york.va.us/webconnect. This link is for external access to SubFinder on the Web. If you are on a school division computer and wish to access SubFinder on the Web, please visit Sid for the internal link. Please call 898-0483 if you have questions about SubFinder on the Web.

]]> General News Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST