YCSD News
TEXTBOOK REVIEW
The York County School Division is reviewing textbooks for adoption in computer math, fashion marketing and accounting. Copies of the textbooks and related materials will be available for public viewing at the School Board Office, located at 302 Dare Road, on June 8, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment to view the materials under consideration for adoption, please contact Roxanne Butner at 898-0305.
YCSD ANNOUNCES DIVISION TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The York County School Division Teacher of the Year 2007-2008 is Kelly Skinner, Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet.
The following teachers have been selected as level Teachers of the Year for 2007-2008:
Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kelly Skinner, Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet
Middle School Teacher of the Year Marjorie Correll, Yorktown Middle School
High School Teacher of the Year Ashley Ellis, York High School
As the YCSD Teacher of the Year, Skinner will represent York County in the Virginia State Teacher of the Year competition.
STUDENTS’ BOOK PUBLISHED
Students in Margaret Johnson’s first grade class published a book they wrote and illustrated entitled “Thumbthing About Insects.” The creation and publishing of the book was part of a grant awarded to Johnson by the York Foundation for Public Education.
STUDENTS AT WALLER MILL WIN ART CONTEST
Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet is excited to announce our winners in the Greater Williamsburg Women's Association 2007 Art Contest. Students entered their original artwork for the Jamestown 2007 Fun, Fantasy & Adventure theme.
First Grade
First Place - Amanda Trahant
Second Place - Jessica Suarez
Third Place - Maggie Floyd
Second Grade
First Place - Charlotte Bieri
Second Place - Thomas Rutherford
Second Place - -Hannah Baghdadi
Third Grade
First Place - Libby Bieri
Second Place -Margaret Perry
Fourth Grade
First Place - Amber Singleton
Second Place -Kayla Smith
Third Place - Aysha Killicker
Honorable Mention - Sasha Morris
SEAFORD ELEMENTARY’S BUSINESS PARTNERS LEND A HAND
During the 2006-07 school year, Seaford Elementary School’s business partners have gone the extra mile to support school activities. During Read Across America month the school’s business partners volunteered approximately 30 hours from their busy schedules to read to our classes. They proved to be some of the best, most animated readers. Over $3,000 in money and materials were donated by partners to support a variety of activities. Some of the partners provided financial assistance for the fifth grade field trip to Lurray Caverns and for Seaford’s Odyssey of the Mind team to travel to World Competition in Michigan this spring. Many pitched in food items and gift certificates to recognize the teachers and staff for their hard work. Other business partners provided prizes for our students’ community projects such as Pennies for Patients and Jump Rope for Heart. Additional projects that our business partners supported include: our Relay for Life Team, the Seaford Carnival, student recognition awards, our Volunteer Appreciation breakfast, and the purchase of materials for special reading programs. Seaford Elementary’s business partners include Bill’s Seafood, CiCi’s Pizza, Coca Cola, Ft. Eustis Wendy’s, Grafton Farm Fresh, One Stop Auto Collision Centers, the Pizza Shop, Seaford Country Market, Sno Zone, Townebank of Williamsburg, WaWa, York Awards and Yorktown Flower Shoppe.
TES PAPER DRIVE
For their Spring Project, the TES K-Kids collected wrapped toilet paper and paper towels for a week in late May. These supplies were donated to The Avalon Center for Women and Children, a shelter for families in need.
SOL IDOL AT WALLER MILL
Students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet readied themselves for upcoming SOL tests by participating in an SOL Idol contest. Students voted for contestants who best exemplified strong test taking strategies. Rebecca Rusher, Gabe Guesser, Carla Careless, Holly Headache, and Frannie Freakout were quickly voted out of the competition. Tim Timely, Samantha Slasher, Jim Jail D. Detail, Paula Pictures and Marsha Mellow won the competition as great test takers.
FIRST ANNUAL TABB ELEMENTARY SOL PEP RALLY
Students and staff at Tabb Elementary gathered in the gym in late may to encourage students for upcoming SOL tests. This was a time of cheering, singing and dancing as each grade level showed something they know. The grand finale was the entire faculty performing the "Oompa Loompa Staff Song".
YES VOLUNTEER BRUNCH
Yorktown Elementary School recently held a volunteer brunch to honor all of the school’s volunteers including parents, grandparents, Coast Guard volunteers, retired workers in the community and NASA volunteers. The children sang a song, read poetry, and thanked the volunteers for reading with classes, going on field trips, sending in treats, helping with science experiments, and giving their time to help students pass SOL tests. Students made flowers, table decorations and posters to honor the volunteers. Refreshments were served and certificates were presented by Susan Rhew, the school’s principal.
QUEENS LAKE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
Queens Lake Middle School had three winners for the York Remembers Essay contest. The essays celebrated veterans who have sacrificed for America’s freedoms. Students were asked to reflect on what Memorial Day meant to them.
1st Place – Anthony Addeo
2nd Place – Danny Saha
3rd Place – Shannon Keene
YMS MOST IMPROVED AND MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
The following Yorktown Middle School students were selected as Most Outstanding and Most Improved for the fourth quarter interims. They were honored at a social sponsored by the YMS PTA Incentive Committee on May 17, 2007.
MOST OUTSTANDING
6th Grade
Bears- Ashlen Clark
Sharks-Coleman Ingram
7th Grade
Boyd Fox
8th Grade
Evan Beach
Shae Kleinschmidt
MOST IMPROVED
6th Grade
Math 6- Allison Prendergast
Language Arts-Zach Hall
Science-Zhyere Ducksworth
Social Studies-Erika Payson
Literature-Michael Wilkerson
7th Grade
Math- Justina Cannon
Language Arts- Naomi Senna-Melo
Science- Justin Hartfield
Social Studies-Roger Lee
8th Grade
Algebra I-Mary O’Conner
Language Arts- Devonte Brown
Science- Sasha Johnson
Social Studies- Krystal Bowden
PE
6th -Robert Olsen
7th- Ryan Hampton
8th- Emily Jungerman
Encore-Art
7th- Sonia Benothmane
8th- Kendra Fields
YCSD HONORS EMPLOYEES
The York County School Division recently held its annual Employee Recognition Banquet recognizing retirees, outstanding employees and employees who have dedicated 25 years to the school division. Brad Williams, guidance director at Tabb High School, was presented with the Superintendent’s Award for 2007. Arty Layne, Jr., interim principal at Tabb Middle, was awarded the Spirit of Education Award for 2007. Tabb High School was presented with the Hovis Cup, an award that honors the division football team with the highest intra-division record. The award is named for retired high school football coach, Charles Hovis. The 2007 Pathfinder Award winners were also announced. They were:
Community Outreach – Tabb High School
Instruction – Dare Elementary School
School Spirit – Bethel Manor Elementary School
Technology – Grafton Middle School
Volunteer Program – Grafton High School
STUDENTS COMPETE IN GREAT COMPUTER CHALLENGE
Earlier this month three students from the Technology Club at Yorktown Elementary School competed in the Great Computer Challenge at Old Dominion University. The team competed in the Internet Scavenger Hunt competition and won an Honorable Mention ribbon. During the competition the team was given a mini-scavenger hunt to complete using Internet Explorer. The Great Computer Challenge is a competitive opportunity for students in grades K-5 to demonstrate their skills with various computer applications.
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
Students at Seaford Elementary School recently participated in Career Day as an activity to help promote school spirit.
TES CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA DAY
Colleen Bard-Brucker is a Visiting International Faculty member from Australia teaching at Tabb Elementary School this year. Not only do Visiting International Faculty serve as teachers, but they also serve as cultural ambassadors in the United States. As an ambassador Ms. BB, as her students call her, has taught students at Tabb much about her home country, Australia, and gave them new insight into ours.
On Tuesday May 15, TES celebrated Australia Day. Bard-Brucker and her friend Terry Whiting introduced students to the culture of their homeland, comparing and contrasting it to life in the US. The students were most interested in the unique animals, plant life and, of course, school life.
As part of the celebration, TES learned traditional Australian games such as two-up and Chinese jump rope, tasted Australian children's party food (Vegemite, chocolate crackles and fairy bread), and learned to paint in the style of the Aborigines, a native people of Australia. One of the highlights of Australia Day was the entire first grade, decked out in Australian green and gold, singing "Kookaburra".
WALLER MILL HOSTS ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR
Fourth grades students at Waller Mill Elementary School presented their work at the annual science fair.
GHS STUDENT RECEIVES VHSL CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Mia Kim, a senior at Grafton High School, was recently honored by Wachovia and the Virginia High School League (VHSL) with a 2006-07 Wachovia Citizenship Award scholarship. Kim received a $1,000 scholarship toward her college education. Selection criteria for the award included the applicants contributions to family, school or community; promotion of good sportsmanship and citizenship; participation in at least one VHSL activity; and submission of a student essay.
WALLER MILL ELEMENTARY HONORS STUDENTS
Waller Mill fourth graders Joy Tyler and Sabrina McFarland were recently honored at the second annual Committee for Minority Affairs recognition dinner. The banquet is held to celebrate the success of minority students from each York County School. Students are selected based on their good academic standing, service in the school and community, and solid citizenship.
STUDENTS BECOME LIVING ART
Fourth grade students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet presented their fourth annual Wax Museum, as a culmination of an English and history unit on biographies of famous Americans. Students studied the lives of famous Americans and then they chose who they would want to portray in the schools wax museum. The students then became their character – creating costumes and a script that they recite when the “play” button on their character is pressed. The wax museum is open to students in all grades.
MAGRUDER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ENJOY TECHNOLOGY
Naya Samuel, a third grader at Magruder Elementary School in York County, shows off her newly acquired skill of making a photo story. Naya is shown taking a picture of her dolphin to import into a story about sea creatures. Next, she plans on adding narration and music as a way to practice her reading and writing skills.
WALLER MILL STUDENTS MEET VOICE BEHIND DARTH VADER
Waller Mill students participated in Anniversary Weekend at Jamestown. As a founding sponsor, Verizon hosted James Earl Jones, who participated by reading aloud and answering interview questions. Students from Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet were invited to sit on the stage with Jones while he read. Students received a signed copy of the book “John Smith Escapes Again!” and they were treated to a photo opportunity and VIP luncheon after the reading.
YHS Students Finalists of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Science Service, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, on Friday, May 18, 2007, announced awards at the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Awards Ceremony. Student winners are ninth through twelfth graders who earned the right to compete by winning the top prize at a regional, state or national science fair. This year 1,512 students from 51 countries competed for $3 million in scholarships and prizes at the 58th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
The International Science and Engineering Fair is sponsored by Intel and has been administered by Science Service since its inception in 1950. Science Service is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science around the globe through publications and educational programs.
Additional information may be found on the internet at www.sciserv.org/isef
Two students from York High School won the Senior Division Excellence Award at the Tidewater Science Fair held at Old Dominion University on March 24, 2007, and thus qualified for participation in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The following awards were received by these two student participants at the Albuquerque fair:
Students: Gabrielle Strike and Anup Myneni (a Team Project)
Awards:
- Third Place in the Team Projects Division (received $1,000)
(2) Team Tuition Scholarship Award ($8,000) presented by the Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The Project Title: The Effect of Mercenaria mercenaria, Igneous Rock, Ammophila breviligulata, and Lucerne Hay Riparian Buffers on Nitrate Sequestration in Correlation to Ecological Health.
2007 YCSD GRADUATION
All 2007 YCSD high school graduations will take place at William & Mary Hall on the campus of the College of William & Mary on June 15, 2007. Times for individual schools are listed below. Tickets are provided by the school.
10 a.m. – Grafton High School
1 p.m. – Bruton High School
4 p.m. – Tabb High School
7 p.m. – York High School
Baccalaureate programs for the schools are as follows:
Grafton High School – June 10 at 3 p.m. in the Grafton High auditorium
Tabb High School – June 14 at 7 p.m. in the Tabb High auditorium
York High School – June 10 at 7 p.m. in the York High auditorium
Bruton High School does not host a baccalaureate service.
TABB STUDENT’S ARTWORK EARNS FIRST PLACE
Gabriella Luisi, a junior at Tabb High School, earned first place at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center Prefaces 2007 Show. Her mixed media entry entitled “Isolated” earned the Best in Show prize.
YHS CHOIR PERFORMS FOR WIZARDS
The Falcon Chamber ensemble choir from York High School recently auditioned and won a slot to perform the national anthem at a Washington Wizards basketball game. The choir has been asked to perform at a game next season.
YMS SPRING BAND AWARDS CONCERT
The Yorktown Middle School Spring Band Awards Concert will be held in the York High School auditorium on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. Several students will receive outstanding student awards. The John Philip Sousa Award will be presented to an outstanding eighth grade student. The concert is free and open to the public.
YMS ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT
Yorktown Middle School will host its annual Academic Awards Night on Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. in the York High School Auditorium. Awards will be given in core and encore subjects, most outstanding and most improved student of 2006-2007; President’s Education Awards and other areas. Students in each grade level will receive awards.
YCSD DRIVERS LASSO BUSES AT ROAD-E-O
Every year York County’s school bus drivers participate in a road-e-o. The road-e-o is an obstacle course style competition along with a written general knowledge test and a written pre-trip inspection test. This year, Katina Johnson and Christ Whittington were the top York County bus drivers – earning first place. They will compete in the state road-e-o on June 19th in Richmond.
YCSD ANNOUNCES SUMMER ACADEMY
The York County School Division provides summer academy opportunities for students in elementary, middle and high school. Sessions begin on June 27. Detailed information about each academy is available on the division’s website, http://yorkcountyschools.org.
WALLER MILL GOES GREEN
The school division’s energy educator, in conjunction with Ken Mathews Garden Center, provided each school in the school division with a Vibernum tree and tree food as a part of the division’s recognition of Earth Day. Fifth grade students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet assisted with the planting of the Vibernum tree.
MAGRUDER ELEMENTARY HOSTS AMERICAN TOWN CENTER
Sandi Murawski's kindergarten class opened their own town center. Students made items to sell in their storefronts after learning how to county money and making clock so they could establish opening and closing times for their stores. The grand opening took place on April 27 – when parents were able to shop at the storefronts. Once all of the stores were closed for the night, parents and students enjoyed a moving containing four class stories, written and illustrated by the students.
STUDENTS SHINE AT VA TSA COMPETITION
Three teams from York County participated in the Technology Student Association (TSA) Technosphere held April 27-29 in Hampton, VA. Tabb Middle School finished seventh overall with 15 competitors. The team of Daniel Wise and Matt Yancer earned first place in the Mechanical Challenge event. Ross Barnett soared into second place in the Flight Challenge event. The team of TJ Gallagher, Stephanie Hoh, and David Thompson placed second in Systems Control by building and programming a robotic device.
York High School also had an outstanding showing. Gabrielle Strike and Anup Myneni placed first in the Agriculture and Biotechnology Design event. Anup Myneni also earned second place in the Promotional Graphics event.
WALLER MILL RECYCLING PROGRAM
Students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet are doing their part to keep the environment clean. Students collect goods that can be recycled and members of the SCA make sure that the items are ready for curbside pickup.
MAGRUDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR
The science fair at Magruder Elementary School featured interesting projects that students, parents and teachers were able to learn from.
YMS SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
The combined Yorktown Middle School and Grafton Middle School Spring Choral Concert will be Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 7p.m. at the Grafton Complex. The concert is free and open to the public.
Book on Gifted Education Donated
To York County Public Library
The York County Public Library recently received a book titled
Grandparents’ Guide to Gifted Children from the Gifted Education Advisory Committee of
the York County School Division. Committee members Jane Roithmayr and Sandra Hood
presented the book to Kevin Smith, Acting Manager of Library Services. “Every year the
Gifted Education Advisory Committee presents a book to the library on the topic of gifted
education,” said Roithmayr. Mr. Smith thanked them for their generous donation to the
Library stating, “Libraries are an integral part of every education.”
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER SELECTED FOR NSBA SOUTHERN REGION DIRECTOR
Barbara S. Haywood, District 1 representative for the York County School Board, was elected to a three-year term as the southern region director at-large for the National School Boards Association (NSBA). Haywood has served on the York County School Board for 18 years and has represented the school division on many state and national school board committees. She was previously a member of the Virginia School Boards Association Board of Directors for nine years. As the southern region director at large for NSBA, Haywood will work with the other directors to establish policies to supervise, control and direct the business of the NSBA.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association is a not-for profit federation of state associations of school boards across the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education in the United States through local school board leadership. NSBA represents the school board perspective before federal government agencies and national organizations that affect education, and by providing vital information and services to state associations of school boards throughout the nation.
YCSD RECEIVES GOLD MEDAL FROM MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
The York County School Division has been designated a gold medal school district by Expansion Management magazine in its 16th annual Education Quotient issue. Each year, Expansion Management compares more than 2,800 school districts across the country on how well the district is preparing its students to be part of the work force after graduation. York County was ranked in the top 16% of school divisions, earning it the gold medal distinction.
GBES RECOGNIZES EARTH DAY
The school division’s energy educator, in conjunction with Ken Mathews Garden Center, provided each school in the school division with a Vibernum tree and tree food as a part of the division’s recognition of Earth Day. Students from the K-Kids club at Grafton Bethel Elementary School planted their new tree.
BHS EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES
Students at Bruton High School celebrated Earth Day with project displays, presentations and by collecting Earth Day pledges. Ecology students demonstrated energy efficient light bulbs and were featured in a presentation about why they (and Hollywood celebrities) choose to “be green.”
GRAFTON MIDDLE TAKES PRIDE IN SCHOOL
Grafton Middle School has been recognized as a 2007 National Take Pride School by the Take Pride in America organization, located in Washington, D.C. To be considered for this award, Grafton Middle had to participate in two public land improvement projects during the year. Grafton students beautified the school’s Spirit Park, an area in front of the cafeteria where students can enjoy lunch, classrooms can meet and provides the school with an area for people to gather. Take Pride in America is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Interior.
Kindergarten Registration at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet
Registration materials for the 2007-2008 school year for rising kindergarten students are available at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet. Packets may be picked up during normal office hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Additionally the school will hold kindergarten registration and open house on Tuesday, May 22 from 4:30 until 5:30. Parents and students are invited to meet the teachers, tour the school, and register for kindergarten. Those wishing to register that day should bring the following documentation: birth certificate, social security card, physical exam, documented proof of immunization, two proofs of York County residency. Please call the school at 220-4060 if you have questions.
WALLER MILL STUDENT ARTIST RECEIVES AWARD
Josie Broome, third grade student at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet, received a 3rd place award for her artwork for the Victims' Rights Week art contest. Students in grades K-12 across the Commonwealth were invited to participate in a statewide art contest in commemoration of crime victims' rights. The theme for the contest, sponsored jointly by the Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, Inc. and the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, was "Creating a Brighter Future: Let's Help, Not Hurt". The winning entries in the competition were chosen based on design, expression and originality. Art contest winners will be honored at the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund's 30th anniversary gala in July.
QUEENS LAKE DISTRICT BAND
On Saturday, April 28th, several Queens Lake Middle School band students participated in the District VIII, Solo & Ensemble Festival held at Tabb Middle School. Congratulations to the following students who received an Excellent and Superior rating on their individual solos performed. The students who received superior ratings for their performances are: Arianna Bond, flute; Alexandra Lee, flute; Chelsea Barnes, clarinet; Daniel Morrow, clarinet; Kelly Ivey, clarinet; Leah Thomeer, oboe; Michael Johnson, bassoon; David McKinney, bassoon; John Wilson, soprano saxophone and alto saxophone; Gemma Pearson, alto saxophone; Victoria Evans, alto saxophone; Nora Jackson, alto saxophone; Chad Simmons, tenor saxophone; Joshua Holmes, tenor saxophone; Clair Schumann, trumpet; Charlie Wallace, trumpet; Tiana Mapp, trumpet; Bethany Rennich, trumpet; Lincoln Dunn, trumpet; Andrew Huelskoetter, french horn; Madeleine Julienne, trombone; Clay Moffatt, drum; Spencer Good, drum; Austin Sharlette, drum; Anthony Addeo, drum; Devan Miller, drum; Dylan Scott, drum; Landis Gardner, drum; Jesse Edwards, drum; Austin Shannon, bells; Landis Gardner and Jesse Edwards, drum duet.
RAMZI AND COMPANY VISIT WALLER MILL
Ramzi and Company recently visited Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet and presented an international and multicultural dance performance. Students and staff alike enjoyed the variety of dances and cultures as well as the participatory nature of the performance.
SEAFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CITIZENS OF THE MONTH
Kindergarten
Maggie Solberg
Ashley Dupree
Jake Verry
Sterlin Jennings
First Grade
Cameron Wainwright
Hayden Kaufman
Megan Cooker
Britney Hepner
Second Grade
Maelani Nguyen
Stephen Grinnell
Alek Hensberger
Gabriella Monroy-Jamieson
Third Grade
Camron Dill
Marcus Hunter
Jaime Lewis
Jordan Parrish
Fourth Grade
A.J. Joyner
Josh Law
Hannah Michalski
Mara Reichle
Fifth Grade
Priscilla Pence
Kaitlyn Leach
Helena Slate
Caroline Edwards
Bethel Manor will host its third annual Talent Show
Bethel Manor will host its third annual Talent Show at 6:30 on Friday, May 4th. Bethel Manor students will share their many talents. A mystery act will also take place at the end of the program. Proceeds go to off-setting the cost of the fifth grade field trip to Busch Gardens
YCSD EARNS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR BUDGET EXCELLENCE
The York County School Division earned the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2006-2007 budget from the Association of School Business Officials International. The Meritorious Budget Award is awarded to school divisions who achieve excellence in the developing, analyzing and presentation of a budget. This is the eighth consecutive year that York County has been honored with this award.
COVENTRY ELEMENTARY KINDERGARDEN OPEN HOUSE
Coventry Elementary School is hosting an open house for all 2007-2008 kindergarten students and their parents on May 3 from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the school’s cafetorium. Families will be able to tour the school and pick up the forms for kindergarten registration.
GRAFTON BETHEL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE
Grafton Bethel Elementary School will have a Kindergarten Open House for prospective kindergarten students and their parents on May 23 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
YORKTOWN MIDDLE INFORMATION NIGHT
Yorktown Middle School will host an orientation for rising sixth grade students and their parents on Wednesday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the York High School auditorium. Teachers and administrators will be on hand to discuss teaming, Encore/Core classes, middle school characteristics/behaviors, organizational skills, expectations, after-school activities, y-Line registration, and an update on the renovations at YMS. Parents and students will also have an opportunity to visit with teachers in their classrooms.
BRUTON HIGH RECOGNIZED BY VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
Bruton High School was among 20 high schools in Virginia that were awarded Honor Roll Awards Recognition from the Virginia State Police Association. The schools were recognized for safe alcohol and drug-free all-night celebrations after prom or graduation. Bruton received a $500 check to use for future events.
YORK FBLA MEMBER PLACES FIRST
Jennifer Lin, a ninth grade student at York High School, earned first place in the banking and financial systems event at the FBLA State Leadership Conference held last month. Lin will compete at the National FBLA Leadership Conference in June.
TMS TEACHER RECEIVES AWARD
Christine Woods, media specialist at Tabb Middle School, received the School Library Media Specialist of the Year award for the York region from the Virginia Educational Media Association. Woods will now compete with six other regions for the state award. The Virginia Educational Media Association is the professional organization for Virginia library media specialists.
HONORED ARTWORK FROM GRAFTON MIDDLE
Ten students at Grafton Middle School had their works selected to be displayed as a part of the Middle School Art Exhibition at the Gallery on the York. The students are Caroline Beaudoin, Tyra Beatty, Tiffany Lupton, Hunter Griffin, Aimee Hilton, Young Joo Kim, Clara Tang, Daniel Pollock, Christine Basham and Britt Sorensen.
GRAFTON BETHEL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE BRASS ENSEMBLE
Students at Grafton Bethel Elementary School were recently entertained by a brass ensemble from the Williamsburg Symphonia, the Good Vibrations. Students learned about how sound travels and how music results from vibrations.
THS STUDENT HONORED FOR ESSAY
Adam Baker, a junior at Tabb High School, won first place in the Peninsula District PTA Citizenship Essay program. His entry then advanced to the Virginia State PTA Citizenship Essay contest, where it was awarded first place in the High School Division. Adam was awarded a $1000 savings bond from the Virginia PTA and will be recognized at the state PTA convention to be held later this year.
YMS BOOK DRIVE SUCCESS
Yorktown Middle School sponsored a month-long Book Drive during March 2007. Over 1,000 new or gently-used books were collected of all ages and genres. The books were donated to Transitions Family Violence Services women's shelter.
REGIONAL ODYSSEY OF THE MIND CHAMPIONS
The Odyssey of the Mind teams at Seaford Elementary and Dare Elementary earned top honors in the 2007 Odyssey of the Mind state competition. Both teams are eligible to compete in the National Odyssey of the Mind competition in May.
TASTE-IN AT BRUTON HIGH
The Bruton High School Spanish club and the foreign language classes recently sponsored a cultural Taste-In in honor of Foreign Language Week.
GRAFTON BETHEL STUDENTS IN MOTION
Students at Grafton Bethel recently attended an Oceans in Motion assembly, provided by the school’s PTA. Students listened to musical selections about the Chesapeake Bay. After the assembly students visited a touch tank where they were able to examine sea creatures from the Bay and also a mobile exhibit from the Virginia Marine Science Museum.
TOP SCHOLAR AND ATHLETE AT YHS
Michael Lin, a senior at York High School, earned regional honors in the 2007 Farm Bureau Insurance/VHSL Achievement Award program, which recognizes outstanding achievement in athletics and academic activities. He is one of 39 high school seniors across the state to receive the recognition. Lin is the winner in the Group AA Academic Activities, Region I. State honorees will be announced in May.
ENERGY STAR LABELED BUILDINGS
Bruton High School, Queens Lake Middle School, Seaford Elementary School and Tabb Middle School were all recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as Energy Star labeled buildings. Energy Star labeled buildings use approximately 35 percent less energy than average buildings and implement prudent energy management strategies.
DARE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE CIVIL WAR
The Virginia War Museum recently visited fourth grade students at Dare Elementary. The presentation focused on the Civil War period with the presenter, Mr. Peeling, dressed in period uniform! Students were able to see and handle artifacts from that time period as well as experience an engaging, interactive presentation.
SEAFORD STUDENTS PUT ON THEIR THINKING CAPS TO EARN LIMO RIDE
Seaford students collected over $8,600 in a math Think-A-Thon sponsored by the PTA to raise money to support various student programs. Those who collected money during the fundraiser were able to attend a bingo assembly, where they had the chance to win 30 prizes. The top ten grand prize earners were picked up by an Excursion limousine from Dynasty Limousine Service and treated to a round of putt putt at Play A Round of Golf and Games.
QUEENS LAKE STUDENTS FEATURED IN GALLERY
Several Queens Lake Middle School art students were selected to represent Queens Lake at the “Gallery on the York” located in Yorktown. The students are Chasity Taliferro, Madison Bouton, Morgan Onesty, Hannah Kilgore, Marcus Starman, Michael Engberson, Michael Chambless, Tehya Dresser, Lianna Pike, Callie Hougland, Adria Flake, Kayle Miller and Ariel Thompson.
YMS BOOK DRIVE SUCCESS
Yorktown Middle School sponsored a month-long Book Drive during March 2007. Over 1,000 new or gently-used books were collected. The books were donated to Transitions Family Violence Services women's shelter.
SEAFORD STUDENTS HELP FURRY FRIENDS
Seaford Elementary's SCA and K-Kids Club teamed up to collect food, toys and other items for the Peninsula SPCA. During the month of March Seaford students brought in over 500 pet-friendly items to support the SPCA.
GHS FBLA
The Grafton High School Future Business Leaders of America team now boasts that their team members won four events in the state FBLA competition. The winners of three events qualify to compete at the National FBLA Conference in June.
The state winners are:
1st Place - Michael Smith - Networking Concepts
2nd Place - Fangdi Sun - Introduction to Business
2nd Place - Dan Carroll, Shawn Mathis, Patrick Moore - Management Decision Making (Team event)
4th Place - Mitch Heath – Economics
IB STUDENTS PERFORM AT SCIENCE FAIR
York County School Division International Baccalaureate students swept the competition in the Tidewater Science Fair.
First Grand Prize- Kevin Luo
Second Grand Prize- Gabrielle Strike and Anup Myneni
2nd Award of Excellence Senior Division- Easan Balakumar
QUEENS LAKE ART WINNERS
Queens Lake Middle School had two winners at the Annual Yorktown Women’s Club Art Competition. Marcus Starman won third place in the colored pencil drawing category and Clark Brown won first place in the tempera/acrylic painting category. Brown advanced to district competition, winning second place.
Rachel Larned, a sixth grade student at Queens Lake Middle School, won first place in the Virginia Middle School Association art competition. Her pastel drawing will be framed and hung in the permanent collection at the Virginia Middle School Association’s headquarters and Larned earned a $50 savings bond.
SEAC MEETING ANNOUNCED
The York County School Division Special Education Advisory Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on April 19 at the School Board Office, 302 Dare Road. Information on the Integrated Preschool Outreach Program will be presented.
IB STUDENT SELECTED FOR RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Alex Chen, an eleventh grade International Baccalaureate student, was chosen as one of 53 students across the U.S. to attend the Research Science Institute, held in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During the program Chen will attend college-level classes taught by distinguished professors. Chen was selected from over 1,200 of the top math and science students across the nation.
JAZZ NIGHT AT GRAFTON MIDDLE
Grafton Middle School will be presenting a Jazz Night Concert at Grafton Middle School Auditorium on April 24, 2007 at 7:00 PM. This concert is being presented as a celebration of National Jazz Appreciation Month. Featured on this program will be the Middle School Jazz Band under the direction of Beth Stone, the High School Jazz Band under the direction of Darren Kirsch, and the Middle School Choir under the direction of Conni Ironmonger-Mann. For the main event, the concert will feature the Super Jazz Band, a professional big band located on the peninsula and under the direction of Percy Ironmonger.
YMS BAND STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The March 2007 Yorktown Middle School Band Students of the Month are:
Advanced Band: Stephanie Bredbenner & Karin Mans
Intermediate Band: Alyssa Bucklin & Scott Cabaniss
Beginning 6th Grade Band: Donte' Brown & Ian McRae
YORK HIGH STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MEMORY PROJECT
Students in Marcie Avery’s art class at York High School participated in the Memory Project. Students in advanced high school art classes around the country are provided with photographs of children across the globe who are living in orphanages. The art students take these photographs and create portraits for the orphans to enjoy and save as a keepsake of their youth and to honor their heritage and identity. The organization, headed by Ben Schumaker, was featured on CBS Evening News, where Avery was inspired to have her art students participate. The York High art students not only created these portraits, but wrote letters of encouragement and hope to the children abroad. The artwork is currently on display at the division’s School Board Office before it will be mailed to the Memory Project for delivery at an orphanage in Bolivia.
STUDENTS PRESENT ON DRUG AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION
On Thursday, March 15th, fifteen members of the Grafton Middle School Youth to Youth club (international substance abuse and violence prevention program) presented a skit and workshop at the Virginia School Counselors Convention in Richmond. Grafton Middle students were the only student group to present and they covered substance abuse and violence prevention in schools. Suzanne Whitehead, Ed.D., guidance director, and Eyvette Jones, guidance counselor, presented with the students and provided information on starting Youth to Youth programs in schools.
GOLDEN BROOM SWEEPS STUDENTS AT GRAFTON BETHEL
A golden broom now visits students at Grafton Bethel Elementary every week, but only the class who keeps their table and floor area clean in the cafeteria gets to claim ownership. The award, given by Tony Nettles, the school’s daytime custodian, is given once a week at Grafton Bethel and competition is tough during lunch as students strive to ensure that their area remains clean. Cathy Anderson’s kindergarten class received the first golden broom award.
YORK HIGH WIND ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT FERGUSON CENTER
Earlier this month, the York High School wind ensemble played a concert at the Ferguson Center, located on the Christopher Newport University campus. The concert was a part of an Honors Weekend sponsored by the CNU music department. Other Ensembles on the program were the Hickory High School wind ensemble and the CNU wind ensemble.
GRAFTON MIDDLE BEAUTIFICATION
The PTA at Grafton Middle School will sponsor a beautification day at the school, with help from the U.S. Coast Guard and VFW Post 824. Beautification is helped by a $2,000 Lowe’s School Beautification Grant.
SEAFORD ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GO WEST
Seaford Elementary's fifth grade students will be presenting the musical "The Adventures of Lewis and Clark" on Monday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Seaford Elementary School cafeteria.
GMS STUDENT RECOGNITION
Most Outstanding students for March are Rhiana Kendall, Ceara Welch, Jonathan Crumpler, Megan Paliwoda, Caleb Harris, Erin Ouellette, Shannon Atkinson, Shirley Mo, Maruchi Kim, Colleen Ward, James Xue, Ryan Fenton, Michael Golinski, Jessica Brown, Patrick Harrah, Grace Chen, Jon Bonham and Lora Cooper.
Clipper Citizenship students for March are Christian Perkins, Zachary Darby, Jordan Johnson, Dawn Duncan, Emily Harvey, Paige Smith, Evita Moody, Bryce Huddleston, Paul Cho, Leanne Field, Amber Mancrino, Kenneth Pressey, Risa Grandon, Catherine Groner, Tara Rodriguez, Demetrius Williams, Meagan Schrock and Jasnique Rolle.
SEAFORD ELEMENTARY SELECTS FEBRUARY CITIZENS OF THE MONTH
Seaford Elementary’s Citizen of the Month program recognizes one student from each class who displays good citizenship. February’s honorees are:
Kindergarten: Logan Keefer, Griffin Butler, Carly Murray and Dustin Crockett
First Grade: Jeffery Vanderheyden, Daniel Hodges, Cameron McCarty and Jenny Bush
Second Grade: McKenna Head, Ana Lugo, Christina Angel and Brett Krause
Third Grade: Angel Lin, Brandon LaGrou, Emily Cooley and Casey Neil
Fourth Grade: Grace Gundling, Kailyn Maynor, Rachel Mueller and Alex Liang
Fifth Grade: Zachary Sansavera, Scott King, Emily Walsh and Kaila Trawitzki
YORK COUNTY SCHOOLS PERFORM IN MIND COMPETITION
Twelve teams from York County recently participated in the Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition. All first place winners advance to the state competition to be held on April 21 at Woodside High School in Newport News.
Tag ‘Em
Div 1- 1st place - Dare Elementary School
Around the World in 8 Minutes
Div 1B- 1st place - Seaford Elementary School
Div 1B - 3rd place – Mt. Vernon Elementary School
Div 2- 2nd place - Tabb Middle School
Div 3- 1st place - Bruton High School
Div 3 - 2nd place - Grafton High School
I'm Only Thinking of You
Div 1 - 2nd place - Waller Mill Elementary School
Div 1- 3rd place - Yorktown Elementary Math, Science and Technology Magnet School
Div 2 - 2nd place - Yorktown Middle School
Div 2 - 3rd place - Grafton Middle School
Div 3 - 1st place - Grafton High School
Div 3 - 2nd place - York High School
IB PROGRAM ORIENTATION AND PANEL DISCUSSION
The International Baccalaureate program will host a parent university for students and parents interested in the program. The orientation and panel discussion will be held on April 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the York High School cafeteria. Current IB students will answer questions about their experiences in the program. Contact Gerry Tylavsky, IB coordinator, at 890-5014 for additional information.
YORK COUNTY SWEEPS TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION
Tabb High School, York High School and Tabb Middle School competed at the Technology Student Association (TSA) Tidewater Regional Fair earlier this month. Tabb Middle School set a school record by winning first place in seven different events.
Anup Myneni (YHS) – 1st place - technical research and report writing; 2nd place – promotional graphics
Jordan Bean (TMS) – 1st place – computer applications
Heather Wise (TMS) – 1st place – digital photography
Ross Barnett (TMS) – 1st place – flight challenge
Nicole Miller (TMS) – 1st place – graphics design
David Thompson, Stephanie Hoh and TJ Gallagher (TMS) – 1st place – systems control
Kirk Smith (TMS) – 1st place – transportation challenge
Jack McNamara (TMS) – 1st place – dragster design.
TJ Gallagher (TMS) – 2nd place – dragster design
Tyler Camarena (TMS) – 3rd place – dragster design
Derek Morse (THS) – 3rd place – dragster design
Michael Barclift (THS) – 4th place – CADD, architectural 2D
Alex Bozarth (THS) – 4th place – CADD, engineering 3D
Ritu Dahiya (THS) – 4th place – promotional graphics.
Cody Pfadenhauer (TMS) – 4th place – graphic design.
YRA TEAMS PLACE AT 22ND ANNUAL GREAT COMPUTER CHALLENGE
Two teams of York River Academy students placed at this year’s 22nd Annual Great Computer Challenge held at Old Dominion University earlier this month. Aimee Normandeau, Candace Byrd and Janai Ballow were a part of the music competition team and placed third in their event. Deyka Estrella, Reggie Tunia, Rachel Roebuck and Chris Guilliams comprised the desktop presentation team and secured a fourth place award in their event. More than 140 teams from high schools around the Hampton Roads area participated in the competition.
GRAFTON BETHEL STUDENTS EXPERIMENT WITH SOLAR POWER
Students in Mindy Sumner’s and Karen Bacon’s third grade classes took advantage of the recent warm weather and their study of solar energy as they used the power of the sun to cook their hot dogs. Students studied natural sources of energy in their science classes.
DR SEUSS CELEBRATION AT YES
Yorktown Elementary Math, Science and Technology Magnet School celebrated Read Across America Month with door decorating contests, a Dr. Seuss book character dress-up parade, guest readers, poster contests and other fun Dr. Seuss Activities. The cafeteria served green eggs and ham at breakfast and Dr. Seuss birthday cake at lunch.
GRAFTON MIDDLE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE EARNS DOCTORATE
Suzanne Whitehead, director of guidance at Grafton Middle School, recently earned her educational doctorate in education administration and policy studies from George Washington University. Whitehead studied faculty retention in public schools for her dissertation.
WALLER MILL CELEBRATES READING
Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with a storybook parade. Students and staff dressed as their favorite literary character and paraded around Waller Mill for parents and guests.
GRAFTON MIDDLE VARIETY SHOW
Grafton Middle School recently hosted its annual Variety Show entitled “Clipper Cabaret.” Thirty-three students danced, played instruments, sang vocals or performed variety acts for the competition. First place honors were awarded to Megan Paliwoda (variety); Alison Jenkins and Hunter Griffon (dance); Ashleigh Johnson (vocal); and Sara Martin (instrumental).
BRUTON DECA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bruton High DECA students recently competed at the DECA State Leadership Competition, held in Norfolk.
Ebonee Williams, Morgan Bathurst, Stephanie Birkett, and Colleen Neary received the DECA Merit Award. Ebonee Williams and Stephanie Birkett were selected for the Virginia DECA Honor Society. Morgan Bathurst earned a $1,000 DECA Scholarship, applicable to the college of her choice. Colleen Neary completed the annual report project for Bruton this year and brought home the 2nd place award. She was also recognized for her leadership this year as the district DECA president, presiding over York County and Hampton schools. Ellen Groothuis placed 3rd in the written test for business services marketing. Stephanie Birkett and Peter Herbst placed 3rd in the written test for travel and tourism marketing. Toni Byrd was runner-up in the state for the field of sports and entertainment marketing. Byrd is eligible to advance to the international level of competition to be held in April in Orlando, Florida.
YCSD CAREER DAYS
Careers for Life, a career fair for high school students put on by the York County School Division and sponsored by Wachovia will take place on March 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at Grafton Middle School. The theme of this year’s event is Safety, Security and Telecommunications. Representatives from many organizations will be on hand to answer questions, including Wachovia, Hampton University, Thomas Nelson Community College, Verizon and Northrop-Grumman. The businesses and post-secondary schools will offer information on updated and emerging careers. Students may register for Careers for Life through their school guidance office by March 20, 2007.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL EARNS DOCTORATE
Doug Hartley, assistant principal at Tabb High School, recently earned his doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The title of Hartley’s dissertation was “Variation in the Willingness of Directors of Human Resources to Support Hiring Alternatively Certified Principals.” The purpose of the study was to determine if alternate certification of principals is a viable solution to reducing principal shortages while still hiring quality principals in schools. Hartley will present part of his findings at the Distinguished Paper Sessions of the Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations (SERA) in April. Only 17 papers from across the country will be presented at the conference.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ART EARNS AWARD AT GHS
Benny Jackson, III, a sophomore at Grafton High School, received recognition from Ft. Monroe for his participation in the Ft. Monroe Black History Month art contest. The theme of this year’s contest was “From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of Africans in the Americas.” Jackson was presented with a framed version of his work by Sergeant Major Michael J. Weiss from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Chaplains Office. Jackson’s teacher, Leah Hackett, was also recognized for her encouragement of Jackson. Hackett received a framed poster commemorating Black History Month.
GRAFTON MIDDLE EVENTS
The Grafton Middle School science bowl team came in 4th place out of 18 schools at a science bowl held at Jefferson Lab earlier this month. The team received a trophy to display at the school.
The Grafton Middle School Intermediate and Advanced Bands recently attended the District VII Concert Band Festival at Menchville High School. The band earned a superior rating (the highest rating a band can earn).
GMS won first place for the Battle of the Books competition. Members of the Battle of the Books team are are: Victoria Dixon, David Chasteen-Boyd, Michael Bittner, Eric Hansen, Owen Hansen, Grace Lin, Grace Anderson, Maddie Mahood and Sawyer Wilkins.
BRUTON HIGH STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN READ ACROSS AMERICA
Drama students at Bruton High School recently visited kindergarten and third grade classrooms at Rawls Byrd Elementary as a part of the school’s Read Across America events. The Bruton students read to the classrooms and participated in classroom activities.
TABB HIGH STUDENT CROWNED VIRGINIA CHESS CHAMPION
Adithya Balasubramanian, a Tabb High sophomore, won the 2007 Scholastic Chess State Championship in Richmond earlier this month. As the state representative from Virginia, Adithya has been invited to compete in the 2007 Denker Tournament of High School Champions to be held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey from July 29 to August 3.
WALLER MILL BOOK EXCHANGE
Students in Mrs. Vaughan and Miss Shatto's first grade class participated in the Junior Woman's Club's book exchange. Club members provided age appropriate books for the students to exchange at Waller Mill Elementary School.
THS YAPA TRIP TO JAMESTOWN
Members of Tabb High School’s Young Americans for Political Activism Club recently visited the Jamestown Settlement to learn about colony’s early government and make connections with the modern democratic system.
YHS FALCON QUILT
Members of the York High School Relay for Life team are raffling a handmade quilt made from York High School t-shirts. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased from York High School for $1 each or $5 for six tickets. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the American Cancer Society. The quilt was designed and created by Susan Wiker, a coach at York High.
YCSD FBLA HONOREES
Teams from high school across the school division competed in the regional Future Business Leaders of America competitive events earlier this year.
From York High School, recognized FBLA students included:
1st place: Jennifer Lin, Banking and Financial Systems
1st place: Patrick McClave, Public Speaking II
2nd place: Wayne Lochstampfor, Network Design
3rd place: Anna Tkabladze, Introduction to Technology Concepts
3rd place: Ashleigh Creech, Word Processing I
Patrick McClave and Jennifer Lin will compete at the State Leadership Conference, March 30 – 31 in Reston, Virginia.
The Grafton High School FBLA team received first place honors for largest local chapter membership. From Grafton High School, recognized FBLA students included:
1st place: Zach Fitzkee, Spreadsheet Applications
1st place: Robert Berry, Technology Concepts
1st place: Eric Stortz, Word Processing II
1st place: Emily Obaro, Business Procedures
1st place: Mitch Heath, Economics
1st place: Fangdi Sun, Introduction to Business
1st place: Kristina Hilton, Introduction to Business Communications
1st place: Casey Hagist and Chris Rodis, Network Design
1st place: Michael Smith, Networking Concepts
2nd place: Dan Carroll, Shaun Mathis and Patrick Moore; Management Decision Making
2nd place: JW Morgan and Alaina Saunders; Multimedia Presentation
2nd place: Heather McCarthy, Accounting II
2nd place: Patricia Grinnel, Business Communication
3rd place: Lloyd Outen, Accounting I
3rd place: Patric Bergman, Business Law
3rd place: Joseph Haslem, Business Math
3rd place: Jennifer Guilfort, Halie Romasco and Chris Wiley; Entrepreneurship
3rd place: Brittiny Wolfe, FBLA Principles and Procedures
3rd place: Jennifer Wilcox, Future Business Leader
3rd place: Gabriel Bradley, Brian Finelli, Raul Flores and Calvin Winkowski; Parliamentary Procedures
The Bruton High School Chapter earned first place in the American Enterprise Project. From Bruton High School, recognized FBLA students included:
1st place: Tia Del Rio Spohr, Accounting II
1st place: Laura Tyeryar, Business Calculations
1st place: Courtney White, Computer Applications
1st place: Stephanie Birkett and Colleen Neary, Management Decision Making
1st place: Jay Rogers, Introduction to Technology Concepts
2nd place: Molly Tyeryar in Accounting I
2nd place: Ariel Peters in Business Law
2nd place: Jon Arbino in Cyber Security
2nd place: Josh Crisano, Seth Herbst, and Daniel Grijalva in Entrepreneurship
3rd place: Josh Collins in Business Communications
3rd place: Andrew Severin in Economics
3rd place: Andre Howard in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
3rd place: Zach Armstrong in Networking Concepts
3rd place: Bo Johnson in Technology Concepts
What: Careers for Life Theme of Career Focus: Safety, Security and Telecommunications When: March 24, 2007- 9am-noon Where: Grafton Middle School Why: Business, Industry, and Post-Secondary Schools offer information on updated and emerging careers that are available with technical certification, associate degrees and options for growing in a career at a 4-year institution. Information will be provided to inform parents and their student about well paying jobs that can begin with only short-term post high school training but grow in the career with training while in the work force. A parent must accompany the student to the sessions.
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Students may register through their school guidance office by March 20, 2007. |
ELEMENTARY ART EXHIBIT OPENING
The York County School Division Elementary Art Exhibit opens Thursday, March 8 at the Gallery on the York. A celebration reception to honor the artists is schedule for Thursday, March 15 from 3 -5 p.m. The artwork will be displayed throughout the month of March.
ONE BOOK FOR ALL AT MAGRUDER
Magruder Elementary has received a special grant from the York Foundation for Public Education to sponsor a school-wide family “read aloud” event. “Tripping Over the Lunch Lady” will be read by over 575 families between March 5 and March 22. The book is a collection of humorous stories by different authors about elementary school. “We hope to begin a conversation between the adults and children about their shared experience of attending an elementary school. We want this book to create a wonderful memory for our families,” said Susan Kappesser, reading specialist at Magruder.
The book will be sent home along with a Family Journal and a packet of suggested activities to help spark conversations. Students will also participate in lessons at school that are inspired by the book. Several of the authors from the book have agreed to participate in web or phone chats with classes. Contests will be held to encourage student participation. At the conclusion of reading the book, students and families will be invited to attend a read-in of their favorite story at the Magruder PTA annual Book Fair and Bar B Q dinner.
Pennies for Patients Program Hits Home for Seaford Student
For second grader, Taylor Mantzgannis this year’s Pennies for Patients project at Seaford Elementary was more than just a community service program. Taylor’s grandmother, Lynne Matzgannis, recently passed away of leukemia. As a result, a local car dealership provided Taylor with a check for $500 in memory of her Nana to support the school’s efforts in raising money for this worthwhile cause.
The Pennies for Patients program encourages students to collect donations that assist the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in finding cures for these deadly diseases. Seaford students collected donations from Feb. 12 through March 2 this year and raised over $2,000. The classes with the highest donations received pizza parties, courtesy of the Pizza Shop.
GRAFTON HIGH ART STUDENTS DRAW THEIR DREAMS
Sean Sweeney and Jake Saxman, students at Grafton High School, were chosen as one of 25 finalists in the Virginia College Savings Plan "Draw your Dreams" 10th Anniversary Poster Contest. They each received $250. They were chosen from over 11,000 entries across the state.
WALLER MILL STUDENTS HOP ON POP
In honor of Read Across America and the birthday of children's author, Dr. Seuss, students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet "hopped on pop" on the way to the buses on March 2. Teachers lined the hallways with plastic bubble wrap and students enjoyed hopping and popping at dismissal time.
JUMPING FOR JOY AT GRAFTON BETHEL
Grafton Bethel’s fourth and fifth graders spent part of Valentine’s Day, “jumping their hearts out” at the annual Jump Rope for Heart. Their jump roping efforts were rewarded with pledges and support for the American Heart Organization exceeding $6,000. Luanne Nicks, physical education teacher at Grafton Bethel led the energizing exercises and developed the jump roping expertise of the students. Many students have now become avid jump ropers in their spare time at home.
TMS TEACHERS RECEIVE FOUNDATION GRANT
Terry Payne, Karen Luckring and Libbey York, life science teachers at Tabb Middle School, were awarded an $800 grant from the York Foundation for Public Education. The teachers plan to use the funds to purchase dissecting microscopes to study oyster reefs from the Chesapeake Bay during the ecology unit.
MAGRUDER ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES THE CAT IN THE HAT
At Magruder Elementary, everyone celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday by reading Dr. Seuss books and dressing up as Dr. Seuss characters. Teachers and administrators alike participated in the festivities.
QUEENS LAKE FESTIVAL BAND HONORED
Earlier this month, the Queens Lake Middle School Festival Band participated in the District 8 Instrumental Festival at Menchville High School in Newport News. The band received a rating of II (excellent) on the three compositions performed before a panel of judges and received a rating of I (superior) on sight-reading a composition.
MAGRUDER ELEMENTARY RECORDER CONCERT
Fourth grade students at Magruder Elementary recently performed a recorder concert for their families and friends. Under the direction of music teacher Alyson Brown, students have been practicing since the beginning of the year.
YMS BAND STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The Yorktown Middle School Band, directed by Wayne Powell, announces the February 2007 band students of the month.
Advanced Band: Katlynn Jones & Emily Mercer
Intermediate Band: Andrew Rowe & Boyd Fox
Beginning Band: Keli Duffer
Beginning 6th Grade Band: Jeansu Choi, Ashley Lytle & Geneva Poelker
YMS MOST IMPROVED AND MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
The following Yorktown Middle School students were selected as most outstanding and most improved for the month of February. They were honored at a social sponsored by the YMS PTA Incentive Committee earlier this month.
Most Outstanding
6th Grade
Stephanie Dygert
Jackie Dawson
7th Grade
Jackie Phillips
8th Grade
Thomas Williams
Most Improved
6th Grade
Math 6: Checorie White
Math 7: Haley Mitchell
Language Arts: Dustin Evans
Science: Lonneill Swinton
Social Studies: Matt Gowen
Reading: Taylor Fox
7th Grade
Math 7: Cameron Mann
Language Arts: Daniel Rutherford
Science: Travis Soles
Social Studies: Micaela Griffin
8th Grade
Math 8: Ashton Casas
Pre Alg: Trey Darnley
Algebra I: Brooke Emerson
Language Arts: Tim Mastracci
Science: Davion Harrington
World Studies: Kendra Fields
PE
6th: Hobi Kopczynski
7th: Montez Roberson
SEAFORD’S READ ACROSS AMERICA SUCCESS
Read Across America was a great success at Seaford Elementary School. The PTA provided a wonderful Family Picnic and Read-Along night to start off the month. Several teachers read their favorite books at special reading stations, and many families spent some quality time together reading great books.
Throughout the month, Seaford Elementary had numerous volunteer readers who visited classrooms to share special books with our students. Readers included parents, school board members, business partners, high school students, grandparents and community volunteers. Seaford students enjoyed over 170 hours of reading time.
The school’s Storybook Character Parade was a success with staff, students and parents. Students and staff enjoyed getting into character, proudly dressing as their favorite book characters. Several parents were on hand to wave and cheer their efforts.
The Door Decorating Contest featured book themes and characters from many of the stories that students studied in class. The school cafeteria got into the spirit when they hosted a Dr. Seuss art contest and prepared a special green eggs and ham breakfast in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Seaford students also celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday at the end of the month by having a school-wide read-in; where all students sat down and read together.
TABB MIDDLE DISTRICT BAND
The following students were selected from Tabb Middle School to participate in the District VII Junior District Band:
Shannon Barry - flute
Megan Woodward - flute
Kathleen Krist - clarinet
Brian Xu - clarinet
Patrick Watson - alto saxophone
Elizabeth LaMarsh - tenor saxophone
Wilson Waddill - trumpet
JJ Lafond - trumpet
Sydney Turner - trumpet
Jordan Carneal - trombone
Quinlin McCormick - percussion
Students rehearsed and performed with the top band students in the district in February.
BHS OUTBACK DINNER
Bruton High School’s DECA and FBLA clubs are sponsoring a family dinner, catered by Outback Steakhouse, on Monday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. The dinner will be followed by Bruton’s First Annual Teacher Spelling Bee. Tickets are $13 and cover the price of the dinner and admission to the spelling bee. Proceeds from the spelling bee will benefit Modern Dwelling from Adolescents Working for Goodness – a non-profit organization founded by a York County student. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information contact Luanne Erdos (lerdos@ycsd.york.va.us), Kris Moore (kmoore1@ycsd.york.va.us) or April Weikle (220-4050).
DENTAL VAN VISITS WALLER MILL
First grade students at Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet received a visit from the dental van this month. Cindy Richards Myles, health educator with the Peninsula Health Center, taught students the importance of good dental hygiene.
