NEWSLETTER: Academic News
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- Summer - August 2018
March 2020
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2019 - 2020 Issue 5
March 2020
Upcoming PTSA / Academic Boosters Meetings:
Thursday, April 9th: Mr. Michael DiNovo, Social Studies Department Chair
Come hear about and discuss the latest in Social Studies
Thursday, May 7th: Ms. Amy Thompson, College and Career Counselor
Learn about post-high school trends of York’s students, including Class of 2020
Meetings Start promptly at 8:30 am in the Yorker Room
Please come with questions and suggestions for supporting academic achievement at York. Please park in the bus lanes to free up visitor parking places. Thank you.
For more information, visit the PTSA Academic Boosters website or contact Jenn Toffler at tofflerj@mac.com.
York Academic Updates
Illinois High School Art Exhibition
2/18/20 Eight York students are being recognized as some of the best student artists in Illinois by the Illinois High School Art Exhibition: Isaac DeBlasio, Ari Denning, Autumn English, Julia Jardon, Oscar Sanchez, Annelies Vermeulen have received over $958,000 in scholarship offers from the IHSAE, with more scholarships still being processed Additionally, Isaac DeBlasio, Ari Denning, Julia Jardon, Oscar Sanchez will have their artwork displayed at the Senior Show and Ari Denning, Kendall Dirks, Autumn English, Julia Jardon, Isaac DeBlasio, Eleanor Mueller, Nicole Niemi will have their artwork displayed at the General Show as part of the Illinois High School Art Exhibition. These art shows run from Monday, March 2nd through Saturday, April 4th at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago. Congratulations! ( Elmhurst CUSD 205’s post in Facebook)
Math Team
2/22/20 Congratulations to the York Math Team that took first place at sectionals. Here is how our team did in every event. Top 5 in each category received medals. We came home with a lot of hardware! Our senior team came in first in pre-calculus, first in junior-senior 8 person and second junior-senior 2 person. Great job team! (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Mock Trial Team
2/26/20 York Dukes win third place at the Northwest Suburban Mock Trial Bar Association Invitational! Now it is on to compete at state. Congratulations to Tony and Ava for outstanding witness and Maya for outstanding attorney. (York High School on Twitter)
National Merit Scholar Finalists
2/3/20 Congratulations to the nine York Community High School seniors confirmed as National Merit Scholarship Corporation finalists! They are: Aaron Ludkowski, Matthew & Allison Splitstone, Dylan Mahoney, John Devine, James Sampson, Paige Szipszky, Timothy Hradil and Kol Rollins. All NMSC Finalists are considered for National Merit Scholarships offered in 2020. Scholarship winners will be announced by NMSC in four groups from April through July. (Elmhurst CUSD 205’s Facebook page)
Speech Team
2/20/20 For the first time ever, students in nine events have advanced at sectionals held last weekend to participate in the State Finals. A group of 25 students and their coaches left for Peoria to compete. View the team results at speechwire.com/r-team.php?teamid=1770 (Leah Gleason in York Parent’s Facebook Page)
What to Do: MARCH
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York
All Students:
-
Register for AP tests if appropriate. York distributes registration information.
-
Register for SAT Subject Tests if appropriate. These tests are required only by selective colleges. You might decide to take one while the material is fresh in your mind (e.g. Take the Biology Subject Test after completing Biology Honors).
-
Register for summer school if it is in your academic plan. It can create room for a graduation requirement, elective or study hall if you so desire.
-
Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service (request a pre-candidate questionnaire) and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor! Have your parent(s) attend the Academic Booster’s program Life After York Q&A: Insider Tips From Parents to Parents.
Juniors (in addition to All Students above):
-
Take the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) on Thursday, March 12, Monday, March 16 and Tuesday March 17. The ISA has 3 sections and requires 3 days to complete. This is a federal testing requirement for juniors.
-
Meet with your counselor – again – to evaluate your senior year course plan.
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Committee
Academic Boosters (PTSA-AB) is the academic advocacy committee of the York PTSA, spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented. By developing parent guidebooks, online tools and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers ALL parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
York Academic Boosters are committed to raising school and community awareness of academic achievement at York High School. We do this by:
-
Partnering with York and the community to recognize both high achievers and those who strive to improve;
-
Working to increase participation in and recognition of academically related clubs and activities at school and in the community; and
-
Advocating for strong and diverse course offerings that challenge every student.
Advocate + Partner + Encourage + Celebrate
-
Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
-
Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
-
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
-
Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Face book Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPS
The Academic Boosters committee shines a light on PTSA’s academically-oriented events/activities at York, including:
March 31 – World Language Honor Societies Induction
April 14 – Spring Testing Day **
April 16 – National Technical Honor Society Induction
April 21 – Scholarship Night
May 1 – Duke Decision Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
May 6 – Academic/Athletic Awards Night
May 17 – York Graduation
May tbd – 2nd Semester Finals
** For Information about Testing at York, Visit:
“Making the Most of York: A Parent to Parent Guide”
Go Dukes!
February 2020
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2019 - 2020 Issue 6
February 2020
Next PTSA / Academic Boosters Meeting:
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Starts promptly at 8:30 am
In the Yorker Room
This month’s featured guest is Mr. Kevin Poduska, Chair of the English Department. Please come with questions and suggestions for supporting academic achievement at York.
Please park in the bus lanes to free up visitor parking places. Thanks!
Life After York Q&A: Parent to Parent Advice on College and Other Paths to Success
Monday, February 24, 2020
Starts promptly at 7 pm
In the York High School Commons
Sometimes it helps to talk with someone who has ‘been there – done that.’ That is the idea behind this popular annual event! This event is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters and the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC). Attendees will enjoy an evening of rotating roundtable discussions led by fellow York parents who will share their experience and knowledge about the college application process as well as other post high school plans. Don’t miss out on learning practical tips for how to support your child in thinking about their future. The event is geared toward parents of sophomores and juniors and open to all York parents.
Attendees have the opportunity to choose up to five discussions from the following list:
1. Creating the List and College Visits
2. Applications
3. Essays
4. Scholarships and Money Basics
5. College Readiness and Initial Research
6. Highly Selective Colleges and Universities
7. Alternatives to Four-Year College (e.g. Two-Year College, Gap Year, Post Graduate Year, etc.)
8. Military Service Academies/ROTC/National Guard
9. IEPs and 504s After York
10. College Planning for Divorced Parents
For more information, visit the PTSA Academic Boosters website or contact Jenn Toffler at tofflerj@mac.com.
York Academic Updates
FCCLA
1/24/20 Congratulations to the @YorkFCCLA Culinary Students on their success at the Illinois FCCLA 2020 Culinary Competitions Sectional/Regional Recipes competition! Next stop – state competition! (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Mock Trial
1/25/20 Dukes taking care of business in the court room! Best witness award for Ava Gehrke and best attorney, Lexi Lukose at the Kane County Mock Trial Competition. (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Model UN
12/6-7/19 York Model UN had another successful trip to the Canadian-American Security Councils Conference in Lansing Michigan on December 6th and 7th. Highest honors were earned by Jack Castanoli and Ethan Thomas while Dylan Mahoney, Nick Pomatto and Steve Chomij received second honors. York’s 25 delegates represented our school with pride. Congratulations Model UN! (from the York announcements)
Scholastic Bowl
2/3/20 Scholastic Bowl squad in action tonight against Willow brook went undefeated in the highly-competitive West Suburban Conference this season! They’re not only scholars, but gentlemen (and ladies). (from York High School on Twitter)
11/11/19 What’s all the buzz about? It’s York’s undefeated Scholastic Bowl team, which has demolished West Suburban teams at the Oak Park and Addison Trail quad meets on both the Varsity and JV levels. Senior Captain Dylan Mahoney’s Varsity is powered by peers Aaron Ludkowski, Joey-Bjorn Alvestad and Andrew Trenta, each of whom is a monster on the buzzer. Collectively, they have proven a juggernaut against York’s early-season foes. Juniors Liz Yu, Adrian Zhuang, Aaron Taub and Rhian Fazinni bring specialist knowledge in math, science, social science and fine arts, while Sophomores Jack Tuchsherer and Brennan Zehner are generalists with lightning-fast reflexes and vast knowledge stores. All of them are making York’s Varsity a feared opponent in the highly-competitive conference. Meanwhile, on the JV team, Junior Clare Cockman and Sophomores Alex Carollo, Nathan Jung, Alex Faulk and Dominic Campione are winning by hundreds of points over their hapless opponents. Want to join this winning tradition? It’s not too late and all are welcome. Simply come to one of our Monday or Friday practices and check it out. See Ms. Wall or Mr. Bendelow if you have questions about becoming a SchoBowler. (from York announcements)
YTV Student Filmmakers’ Award
1/13/20 Grab some popcorn and take a look at our YTV Student Filmmakers’ award winning silent film “Leo’s Lemonade” with original piano/guitar score. Congratulations to Julia Brandt, Lauren Marquardt, Charlie Cripe and YTV Features staring Leo Brandt. Well done Dukes! (from York Parents Facebook Page)
What to Do: February
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York
All Students:
- Fine Arts Week and the annual Talent Show is in early March. Start putting an act together!
- Register for summer school if it is in your academic plan. It can create room for a graduation requirement, elective or study hall if you so desire.
- Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service (request a pre-candidate questionnaire) and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor! Have your parent(s) attend the Academic Booster’s program Life After York Q&A: Insider Tips From Parents to Parents.
Juniors (in addition to All Students above):
- Attend CCRC College Planning Program.
Seniors (in addition to All Students above):
- Most Regular Decision applications are due 1/1.
- Send transcript of your fall grades to colleges requiring them.
- Performing Arts students often have live college auditions during February. Be sure to check dates with each college.
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Committee
Academic Boosters (PTSA-AB) is the academic advocacy committee of the York PTSA, spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented. By developing parent guidebooks, online tools and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers ALL parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
York Academic Boosters are committed to raising school and community awareness of academic achievement at York High School. We do this by:
1. Partnering with York and the community to recognize both high achievers and those who strive to improve;
2. Working to increase participation in and recognition of academically related clubs and activities at school and in the community; and
3. Advocating for strong and diverse course offerings that challenge every student.
Advocate + Partner + Encourage + Celebrate
- Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
- Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
- Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
- Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
- Join PTSA online. Download the PTSA Membership Form.
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Face book Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPS
The Academic Boosters committee shines a light on PTSA’s academically-oriented events/activities at York, including:
February 24, 7-9pm – Life After York Q & A; Parent to Parent Advice on College & Other Paths to Success
March 31 – World Language Honor Societies Induction
April 14 – Spring Testing Day **
April tbd – National Technical Honor Society Induction
May 1 – Duke Decision Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
May 6 – Academic/Athletic Awards Night
May 17 – York Graduation
May tbd – 2nd Semester Finals
** For Information about Testing at York, Visit:
“Making the Most of York: A Parent to Parent Guide”
Go Dukes!
January 2020
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2019 - 2020 Issue 5 January 2020
Next PTSA / Academic Boosters Meeting:
Thursday, January 9th, 2019
(SECOND Thursday due to winter break)
With special guest: Ismael Zamora, York Math Department Chair
Starts promptly at 8:30 am
In the Yorker Room
Please park in the bus lanes to free up visitor parking places. Thank you.
York Academic Updates
MODEL UN
12/6-7/19 York Model UN had another successful trip to the Canadian-American Security Councils Conference in Lansing Michigan on December 6th and 7th. Highest honors were earned by Jack Castanoli and Ethan Thomas while Dylan Mahoney, Nick Pomatto and Steve Chomij received second honors. York’s 25 delegates represented our school with pride. Congratulations Model UN! (from the York announcements)
Scholastic Bowl
11/11/19 What’s all the buzz about? It’s York’s undefeated Scholastic Bowl team, which has demolished West Suburban teams at the Oak Park and Addison Trail quad meets on both the Varsity and JV levels. Senior Captain Dylan Mahoney’s Varsity is powered by peers Aaron Ludkowski, Joey-Bjorn Alvestad and Andrew Trenta, each of whom is a monster on the buzzer. Collectively, they have proven a juggernaut against York’s early-season foes. Juniors Liz Yu, Adrian Zhuang, Aaron Taub and Rhian Fazinni bring specialist knowledge in math, science, social science and fine arts, while Sophomores Jack Tuchsherer and Brennan Zehner are generalists with lightning-fast reflexes and vast knowledge stores. All of them are making York’s Varsity a feared opponent in the highly-competitive conference. Meanwhile, on the JV team, Junior Clare Cockman and Sophomores Alex Carollo, Nathan Jung, Alex Faulk and Dominic Campione are winning by hundreds of points over their hapless opponents. Want to join this winning tradition? It’s not too late and all are welcome. Simply come to one of our Monday or Friday practices and check it out. See Ms. Wall or Mr. Bendelow if you have questions about becoming a SchoBowler. (from York announcements)
What to Do: January
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York
All Students:
-
Fine Arts Week and the annual Talent Show usually happen in late February, early March. Start putting an act together!
-
Register for summer school if it is in your academic plan. It can create room for a graduation requirement, elective or study hall if you so desire.
-
If applicable, take APPL/STAMP tests to earn the Seal of Biliteracy on your diploma. These tests are offered to all students, every year in September and January.
-
Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service (request a pre-candidate questionnaire) and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
Seniors (in addition to All Students above):
-
Most Regular Decision applications are due 1/1.
-
Send transcript of your fall grades to colleges requiring them.
-
Performing Arts students often have live college auditions during January and February. Be sure to check dates with each college.
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Committee
Academic Boosters (PTSA-AB) is the academic advocacy committee of the York PTSA, spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented. By developing parent guidebooks, online tools and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers ALL parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
York Academic Boosters are committed to raising school and community awareness of academic achievement at York High School. We do this by:
-
Partnering with York and the community to recognize both high achievers and those who strive to improve;
-
Working to increase participation in and recognition of academically related clubs and activities at school and in the community; and
-
Advocating for strong and diverse course offerings that challenge every student.
Advocate + Partner + Encourage + Celebrate
-
Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
-
Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/ptsa/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
-
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
-
Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Face book Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPS
The Academic Boosters committee shines a light on PTSA’s academically-oriented events/activities at York, including:
February 24, 7-9pm – Life After York Q & A; Parent to Parent Advice on College & Other Paths to Success
March tbd – World Language Honor Societies Induction
April 14 – Spring Testing Day **
April 16 – National Technical Honor Society Induction
May 1 – Duke Decision Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
May 6 – Academic/Athletic Awards Night
May 17 – York Graduation
May tbd – 2nd Semester Finals
** For Information about Testing at York, Visit:
"Making the Most of York: A Parent to Parent Guide”
Go Dukes!
December 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2019 - 2020 Issue 4 December 2019
Next PTSA / Academic Boosters Meeting:
Thursday, December 5th, 2019
Starts promptly at 8:30 am
In the Yorker Room
Featured Topic - A parent-to-parent coffee with rising freshman parents (current 8th grade parents). This is scheduled the morning following the 8th grade transitions night (activity & academic), to address these parents' questions.
Please park in the bus lanes to free up visitor parking places. Thank you.
York Academic Updates
Journalism
11/24/19 So proud of the behavior and accomplishments of York's journalism students this weekend at the 2019 JEA National Student Media Contest in Washington D.C. Winners include -> Honorable Mention: Abby Moriarty & Erin Quaid (Broadcast Commercial/PSA), Ethan Thomas (Newswriting), Mary Kett (Feature Writing), Lucy Valeski (Review Writing), Hanna Brody (Newsmagazine Layout) and Julia DeMotte (Literary Magazine Poetry). Excellent: Murphy McFarlane & Page Szipzsky (Online News Package) and CeCe Lampa (News Editing/Headline Writing/Current Events). Superior: Jack Castanoli (Broadcast Anchor) and Ryan Lynch (Yearbook Copy/Caption: Sports). Check out the award-winning Online News Feature by Page & Murphy https://thisisyork.org/26724/features/?fbclid=IwAR2yYgBOc6dEy65UE9K2maCbiXj-Zw8jpihjCt_J3YJrnzGTS2-BaS3LYzw (York Parents Facebook Page)
Model UN
10/5/19 The Model UN Club competed in its first conference, the Carl Sandburg Model United Nations Conference (CSMUN). The club had great success at this conference with Seniors Jack Castanoli, Maya Wiodarczyk and Aaron Ludkowski all taking home awards for their performances. Winning awards is a result of preparation and grit which help position delegates to achieve these great results. Aaron Ludkowski mentioned that the issues that were talked about at Model UN always follow what is going on in the real world. His committee talked about the crisis in Venezuela that happened just days before the conference. Congratulations Dukes! (from thisisyork.org website)
National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to the nine York High School seniors who were announced as Semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. The seniors are: John Devine, Timothy Hradil, Aaron Ludkowski, Dylan Mahoney, Kol Rollins, James Sampson, Allison Splitstone, Matthew Splitstone and Paige Szipszky. Our students will be honored by the District 205 Board of Education this fall. They also will have the opportunity to advance in the competition and be considered for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2020 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. Click this link for more information. Let’s also congratulate our National Merit Scholarship Commended students who have received their Letter of Commendation and will not continue in the competition: William Ahern, Anna Araujo, Molly Braun, Leo Brigham, Jacob Caffrey, Caleb Choi, Caroline Collins, Katherine Czernik, Emily Dow, Samuel Heinz, Gregory Hradil, Maya Iyer, Brian Kelley, Emma Kern, Ethan Kern, Caroline Kness, Mary Kritikos, Kevin Lawrence, Aaron Leshuk-Morita, George Nolley, Ethan Oder, Brian Pratt, Ruby Schwan, Karlene Stanton, Matthew Tully, Emily Walker, Maya Wlodarczyk, Filip Zachwieja. Congratulations to all on their outstanding academic success. Go Dukes! (from the CUSD 205 Facebook page)
Quantum Club
There is a new science club at York: Quantum Club. This club is a research-based club exploring concepts of basic quantum theory. If you can find a topic you are interested in, you can learn about it and share what you have learned with club members. Quantum mechanics is a new and evolving subject which is not yet taught in any science class. Quantum is the study of very small matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level, and its nature and behavior. Quantum Club has exciting plans for the school year. They are already planning field trips to different science presentations and the Adler Planetarium. (from thisisyork.org website)
Scholastic Bowl
11/11/19 What’s all the buzz about? It’s York’s undefeated Scholastic Bowl team, which has demolished West Suburban teams at the Oak Park and Addison Trail quad meets on both the Varsity and JV levels. Senior Captain Dylan Mahoney’s Varsity is powered by peers Aaron Ludkowski, Joey-Bjorn Alvestad and Andrew Trenta, each of whom is a monster on the buzzer. Collectively, they have proven a juggernaut against York’s early-season foes. Juniors Liz Yu, Adrian Zhuang, Aaron Taub and Rhian Fazinni bring specialist knowledge in math, science, social science and fine arts, while Sophomores Jack Tuchsherer and Brennan Zehner are generalists with lightning-fast reflexes and vast knowledge stores. All of them are making York’s Varsity a feared opponent in the highly-competitive conference. Meanwhile, on the JV team, Junior Clare Cockman and Sophomores Alex Carollo, Nathan Jung, Alex Faulk and Dominic Campione are winning by hundreds of points over their hapless opponents. Want to join this winning tradition? It’s not too late and all are welcome. Simply come to one of our Monday or Friday practices and check it out. See Ms. Wall or Mr. Bendelow if you have questions about becoming a SchoBowler. (from York announcements)
Speech Team
11/7/19 York Speech Team hosted 18 different schools for their first speech tournament “York’s Royal Court Invitational.” Though the York team was not allowed to win their own tournament (Hinsdale Central took home the first place trophy), the individual competitors found success in their events during the award ceremony. Between the varsity and novice teams, 31 students placed in the final rounds and the team scored 403 points which is the most finalists of any other school and a team record. Results here: https://thisisyork.org/26424/uncategorized/york-speech-hosts-first-tournament/ (from thisisyork.org)
What to Do: DECEMBER
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York.
All Students:
-
Final exams are just before winter break. Finals represent 20% of your grade. Pace your studying for Finals over the next few weeks for best comprehension and results – best not to wait until the night before.
-
Check out the Winter Art Show!
-
Attend the Band and Choral Concerts!
-
Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service (request a pre-candidate questionnaire) and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
Seniors:
-
If qualified (congratulations!), the National Merit Scholarship Corporation must receive SAT scores by 12/31/19 (the end of this year). SAT will not report your scores unless you request it.
Parents:
-
The statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey is open for parents to share thoughts about your experiences with our school: https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Committee
Academic Boosters (PTSA-AB) is the academic advocacy committee of the York PTSA, spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented. By developing parent guidebooks, online tools and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers ALL parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
York Academic Boosters are committed to raising school and community awareness of academic achievement at York High School. We do this by:
-
Partnering with York and the community to recognize both high achievers and those who strive to improve;
-
Working to increase participation in and recognition of academically related clubs and activities at school and in the community; and
-
Advocating for strong and diverse course offerings that challenge every student.
Advocate + Partner + Encourage + Celebrate
-
Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
-
Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/ptsa/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
-
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
-
Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Face book Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPS
The Academic Boosters committee shines a light on PTSA’s academically-oriented events/activities at York, including:
December 4 – 8th Grade Transitions (Activity & Academic Night)
December 18-20 – 1st Semester Finals
February 24, 7-9pm – Life After York Q & A; Parent to Parent Advice on College & Other Paths to Success
March tbd – World Language Honor Societies Induction
April 14 – Spring Testing Day **
April tbd – National Technical Honor Society Induction
May 1 – Duke Decision Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
May 6 – Academic/Athletic Awards Night
May 17 – York Graduation
May tbd – 2nd Semester Finals
** For Information about Testing at York, Visit:
"Making the Most of York: A Parent to Parent Guide”
Go Dukes!
November 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2019 - 2020 Issue 3
November 2019
In Lieu of Academic Boosters’ Regular Meeting for November:
An AP/ACP/Honors Discussion
Hosted Jointly by PTSA and its Academic Boosters Committee
Monday, November 11th, 2019
Starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. (*note that this is an EVENING MEETING)
In the Auditorium
With Featured Speaker: Ryan Doherty, Assistant Principal
Discussing: Advanced Placement (AP), Advance College Project (ACP) and Honors – why, why not, pros, cons – about AP, ACP and Honors classes.
York Academic Updates
Model UN
10/5/19 The Model UN Club competed in its first conference, the Carl Sandburg Model United Nations Conference (CSMUN). The club had great success at this conference with Seniors Jack Castanoli, Maya Wiodarczyk and Aaron Ludkowski all taking home awards for their performances. Winning awards is a result of preparation and grit which help position delegates to achieve these great results. Aaron Ludkowski mentioned that the issues that were talked about at Model UN always follow what is going on in the real world. His committee talked about the crisis in Venezuela that happened just days before the conference. Congratulations Dukes! (from thisisyork.org website)
National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to the nine York High School seniors who were announced as Semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. The seniors are: John Devine, Timothy Hradil, Aaron Ludkowski, Dylan Mahoney, Kol Rollins, James Sampson, Allison Splitstone, Matthew Splitstone and Paige Szipszky. Our students will be honored by the District 205 Board of Education this fall. They also will have the opportunity to advance in the competition and be considered for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2020 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. Click this link for more information. Let’s also congratulate our National Merit Scholarship Commended students who have received their Letter of Commendation and will not continue in the competition: William Ahern, Anna Araujo, Molly Braun, Leo Brigham, Jacob Caffrey, Caleb Choi, Caroline Collins, Katherine Czernik, Emily Dow, Samuel Heinz, Gregory Hradil, Maya Iyer, Brian Kelley, Emma Kern, Ethan Kern, Caroline Kness, Mary Kritikos, Kevin Lawrence, Aaron Leshuk-Morita, George Nolley, Ethan Oder, Brian Pratt, Ruby Schwan, Karlene Stanton, Matthew Tully, Emily Walker, Maya Wlodarczyk, Filip Zachwieja. Congratulations to all on their outstanding academic success. Go Dukes! (from the CUSD 205 Facebook page)
Quantum Club
There is a new science club at York: Quantum Club. This club is a research-based club exploring concepts of basic quantum theory. If you can find a topic you are interested in, you can learn about it and share what you have learned with club members. Quantum mechanics is a new and evolving subject which is not yet taught in any science class. Quantum is the study of very small matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level, and its nature and behavior. Quantum Club has exciting plans for the school year. They are already planning field trips to different science presentations and the Adler Planetarium. (from thisisyork.org website)
What to Do: NOVEMBER
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York
Freshmen:
⦁ Use your ⦁ 4-year course plan to begin planning classes for next year and for summer school if interested. Be sure to think about balance, electives and classes in new areas to explore emerging interests. Review course selection using the ⦁ 4-year plan with your counselor.
⦁ Peruse the ⦁ Performing Arts Calendar for band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama performances!
Sophomores:
⦁ Use your ⦁ 4-year course plan to begin planning classes for next year and for summer school if interested. Be sure to think about balance, electives and classes in new areas to explore emerging interests. Review course selection using the ⦁ 4-year plan with your counselor.
⦁ Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the ⦁ College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
⦁ It is not too early to visit college campuses on school holidays or long weekends. Always go to their websites to register for admissions presentations and tours.
Juniors:
⦁ Use your ⦁ 4-year course plan to begin planning classes for next year and for summer school if interested. Be sure to think about balance, electives and classes in new areas to explore emerging interests. Review course selection using the ⦁ 4-year plan with your counselor. Be sure all graduation requirements are met. Course selection notes:
⦁ AP Science labs require a lunch/half period.
⦁ Invite to Teach and Medical Careers courses are each two class periods.
⦁ Seniors may take 4-12 credits at Elmhurst College. Refer to the ⦁ York ⦁ Course book and speak with your counselor.
⦁ Juniors and seniors can take classes at the Technology Center of DuPage. Refer to the ⦁ York ⦁ Course book and speak with your counselor.
⦁ National Honor Society inductions. Students may also apply during senior year.
⦁ Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the ⦁ College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
⦁ Plan college visits for winter or spring vacation. Always go to school websites to register for admissions presentations and tours.
Seniors:
⦁ Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) due dates are usually 11/1 or 11/15.
⦁ Students qualifying for the Seal of Bi-literacy will have a memo on their transcript indicating this, in time for EA/ED applications.
⦁ National Honor Society inductions November 5, 2019.
⦁ Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the ⦁ CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Committee
Academic Boosters (PTSA-AB) is the academic advocacy committee of the York PTSA, spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented. By developing parent guidebooks, online tools and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers ALL parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
York Academic Boosters are committed to raising school and community awareness of academic achievement at York High School. We do this by:
⦁ Partnering with York and the community to recognize both high achievers and those who strive to improve;
⦁ Working to increase participation in and recognition of academically related clubs and activities at school and in the community; and
⦁ Advocating for strong and diverse course offerings that challenge every student.
Advocate + Partner + Encourage + Celebrate
⦁ Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
⦁ Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
⦁ Our main publication is the “⦁ Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
⦁ Our Monthly Checklist is a ⦁ Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
Join PTSA online. ⦁ Download the PTSA Membership Form.
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Face book Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPS
The Academic Boosters committee shines a light on PTSA’s academically-oriented events/activities at York, including:
November 5 – National Honor Society Induction
December 4 – 8th Grade Transitions (Activity & Academic Night)
December 5 – 8:30am PTSA-Academic Boosters Welcome Coffee and Q&A for Parents of 8th Graders
December 18-20 – 1st Semester Finals
February 24, 7-9pm – Life After York Q & A; Parent to Parent Advice on College & Other Paths to Success
March tbd – World Language Honor Societies Induction
April 14 – Spring Testing Day **
April tbd – National Technical Honor Society Induction
May 1 – Duke Decision Day
May 4-15 – AP Testing
May 6 – Academic/athletic Awards Night
May 17 – York Graduation
May tbd – 2nd Semester Finals
** For Information about Testing at York, Visit:
“Making the Most of York: A Parent to Parent Guide”
Go Dukes!
October 2019
September 2019
September 2019
This newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Academic Boosters Meeting:
The first meeting of the year was held on September 5, 2019.
Our featured guests were:
Erin DeLuga, York Principal,
And Ryan Doherty, Assistant Principal.
Meeting Minutes may be found on the AB website.
Please Join Us!
Monthly meetings are usually scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, 8am in the Yorker Room. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.
May 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 9
May 2019
This newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Academic Boosters Meeting:
The last meeting of the year was held on May 2, 2019.
Our featured guests were:
Ismael Zamora Mathematics, Department Chair,
Ryan Doherty, Assistant Principal
And Dave Beedy, Director of STEM Education
Meeting Minutes will be posted soon on the AB website.
Please Join Us in the Fall!
Monthly meetings are usually scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, 8:30am in the Yorker Room. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Annual Testing Day went well for freshmen (PSAT 8/9), sophomores (PSAT 10) and juniors (SAT with writing) on April 9. PTSA Academic Boosters members were on hand to hand out pencils and wish the York students “Good Luck!”
York’s DUKE DECISION DAY happened on May 1st! On this day, York seniors announce and celebrate their post high school plans. PTSA Academic Boosters assists our CCRC to host this event. Seniors post their intentions -- whether it be college, military service, career, gap year, etc. – on a map outside of the CCRC. (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page)
YORK ACADEMIC UPDATES
Final Exams Are Right Around the Corner
Visit the York website for the finals schedule and more info.
Awards Night Held May 2
Congratulations to York’s many accomplished students who were recognized at the May 2nd Awards Night. Click here for a list of the 2018-19 Academic Awards recipients.
Eight York High School Students Names National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Congratulations to the eight York Community High School seniors confirmed as National Merit Scholarship Corporation finalists! They are: Michael Bindeman, Joseph Black, Calvin Carta, Christian Glosner, William Phillips, Edward Ryan, Hayden Snyder and Cecilia Stumpf. Visit the York website to learn more.
York Students Achieve Perfect Scores on AP Exams
Two York Community High School students are being recognized in an elite group of students in the world for their achievements on Advanced Placement Exams. Great job Dylan Mahoney and Rachel Perry! Visit the York website to learn more.
Skills USA
Congratulations to our York Students who participated in the SkillsUSA Championships in Springfield! Our students swept in two categories: Technical Drafting and Screen Printing Technology. (from the District 205 website)
Student of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month! (from Staff Memo from Drew McGuire)
April 2019 |
|
Industrial Technology: |
Ava Gehrke |
York Athletics: |
Inemesit Akpakpan, Matthew Austin, Christopher Radcliff, Ian Watson-Hirsch |
PE/Health/Drivers Ed: |
Vincent Gallichio |
York Student Services: |
Ethan Whitcomb |
ELL: |
Pedro Chavez Lopez |
York Activities: |
Ronan Doyle |
Business & Technology: |
Megan George |
World Language: |
Leander Grasmeier |
English: |
Nicholas Bingenheimer |
Performing Arts: |
Bridget Costello |
Social Studies: |
Isabelle Downey |
Family & Consumer Sciences: |
Oliver Gomez |
Visual Arts: |
David Imundo |
Science: |
Connor Saurbier |
Mathematics: |
Elena Martinez |
WHAT TO DO: MAY
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
• Review course requests in PowerSchool and confirm they are correct. Print out final grades from PowerSchool before it goes offline for the summer. Check in with your counselor about next year before school is out.
• Take AP Tests during the first two weeks of May if registered. The best strategy for success is to get a good night’s sleep.
• Note that Final exams represent 20% of your grade. Students can gain the most benefit by studying a little at a time for the next 6 or so weeks until finals. Good luck!
Juniors:
•If you knowyou will need two letters of recommendation from teachers, determine who you will ask to write these letters. The CCRC has forms for students and parents to use for this purpose. Giving 2-3 weeks lead time is courteous and appropriate. Some teachers may get a head start on their letters over the summer.
• Re-evaluate your plan for taking the ACT and/or SAT. Register if you have not already done so for these tests according to your plan. As scores are received, you may decide to register again for future tests.
• Start researching scholarships.
RESOURCES
York PTSA Academic Boosters Mission
The York PTSA Academic Boosters committee was formed to fulfill one of many elements of the PTSA mission -- to advocate for and support activities that encourage a robust academic environment at York. One way the committee does this is by spotlighting York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented.
In addition, by developing parent guidebooks, online tools, and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers all parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York, and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
- Like us on Facebook:Find us at “York PTSA Academic Boosters.”
- Visit our website at: https://york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
- Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
· Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
Note: If you have academically-oriented news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
Go Dukes!
April 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 8
This newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA - Academic Boosters Meeting:
April 4, 8:30 am
Yorker Room
Amy Thompson is our featured guest.
Topics: senior class profile, college trends, etc.
Please park in the bus lanes.
All parents are welcome.
York Academic Updates
Mock Trial Team
3/14/2019 York’s Mock Trial Team won at State this weekend in Springfield! York won the title after a tough completion Sunday evening against Glenbard East High School. In addition to the team award, York also received six individual awards: Lexi Lukose was the only student in the state to score a perfect score on the exam. Katy Clugg, Lexi Lukos and Andrea Gurau received recognition for Best Attorney. Katy Clugg and Anthony Aguilar received Best Witness. Maya Iyer, Sarah Martich, Ava Gehrke, Vanessa Bardoshi and Elinor Kness all played key roles in the team’s success. Congratulations to all these amazing students and their coaches, Amy Mueller and Elizabeth Birchler. What an end to the 2018-19 Fall/Winter Season for the DUKES! (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page)
Model UN
3/2/2019 York Model United Nations continued its 2018-19 season with another successful conference at Lyons Township last Saturday. Nick Pomatto received Outstanding Delegate honors, while Mollie Grasse, Alex Norgle and Ethan Thomas earned Honorable Mention recognition. The York delegation of 20 students also collectively received the honor of Best Small Delegation. Keep it rolling York Model UN! (from the York Announcements)
Scholastic Bowl
3/7/2019 York’s Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team ended its winning season at the Regional IHSA Championship, demonstrating the manifold strengths that have made this such a successful season. Under the leadership of Captains Dylan Mahoney and Alex Boskov, the team staged a second round comeback against Catholic League Powerhouse Fenwick. The Dukes trailed by over 100 points early, and their cool heads prevailed. The SchoBowlers finished off the Friars by 90 points. The second round turned into a “crosstown classic” with York paired against former state champions Timothy Christian. The match went back and forth and in the very last questions, Timothy pulled ahead. The final score was 460-430. Supporting the Varsity Dukes were Juniors Joey Alvestad, Aaron Ludkowski and Andrew Trenta. Sophomore standouts Rhian Fazzini, Aaron Taub and Adrian Zhuang, along with Freshman sensation Brennan Zehner provided key backup. (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page) Student of the Month Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
March 2019 |
|
Family & Consumer Sciences : EL : Visual Arts : Science : York Athletics : English : Mathematics : Business & Technology : Performing Arts : York Activities : Industrial Technology : York Student Services : Social Studies : PE/Health/Drivers Ed : World Language : |
Chelsea Roman Nelson Fabian Ramos Shayari Liyanapatabendi Kelly Martich Madilyn Maucieri Isabelle Mitchell Lance Dudley Matthew Fehlberg Dylan Mahoney Marie Grasse Joseph Orrico Paul Rosland III Copper Stone Grace Wright Sara Krissinger |
World Language Honor Society
2/24/2019 Congratulations to the newly inducted and reaffirmed members of the Four World Language Honor Societies of York High School: Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish. Click here to see the list of 2019 members. (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page)
EXTRAMURAL ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
PTSA Academic Boosters is pleased to recognize academically-oriented successes of York students wherever they are:
Adventure Back Packs
03/28/2018 York High School sophomore Jake Downey is a member of Boy Scout Troup #82. He initiated a community partnership with our Elmhurst Public Library to create “Adventure Backpacks” for checkout as Jake’s Eagle Scout Project. These backpacks may inspire you to listen more closely to songbirds, gaze through a magnifying glass at rocks and minerals or even identify animal tracks. Discovering and exploring the outdoors with friends or family is a hands-on sensory experience that appeals to all ages. The rank of Eagle Scout is reached by only four percent of Boy Scouts. For more information, click here. (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Winner
02/28/2018 York High School sophomore Kendall Dirks won honorable mention in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest. The challenge was to create a film related to one of six sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. His film “Estelle’s Story” is where he interviewed Estelle Carol of the Deep Roots Project about why she started growing edible gardens. For more information, click here. (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
WHAT TO DO: APRIL
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer. Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide.
All Students:
• Take the York-administered College Test as follows on Tuesday, April 9, 2019:
- Freshman: PSAT-9
- Sophomores: PSAT-10 plus start planning college tests for next year.
- Juniors: Mandatory SAT test
- Seniors: Day off! Use this free day to do a college visit, study, career cruise, etc.
The “Making the Most of York” parent guide on the Academic Boosters website has a Testing chapter. The SAT evaluates a student’s potential knowledge and ability to process information, etc. The best strategy is to get a good night’s sleep.
• Register for SAT Subject Tests if appropriate. These tests are required only by selective colleges. You might decide to take a particular test while the material is fresh in your mind (e.g. Take the Biology Subject Test after completing Biology Honors).
Juniors:
• Determine who you will ask to write college letters of recommendation. The CCRC has forms for students and parents to use for this purpose. Giving 2-3 weeks lead time is courteous and appropriate.
• Note that Final exams represent 20 percent of your grade. Students can gain the most benefit by studying a little at a time for the next six or so weeks until finals. Good luck!
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you.
RESOURCES
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students who need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource from PayScale, Inc. Use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slideshow to look at Best Schools by Majors.
York PTSA Academic Boosters Mission
The York PTSA Academic Boosters committee was formed to fulfill one of many elements of the PTSA mission -- to advocate for and support activities that encourage a robust academic environment at York. One way the committee does this is by spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented.
In addition, by developing parent guidebooks, online tools, and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers all parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York, and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
- Like us on Facebook: Visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
- Visit our website at: york.elmhurst205.org/parentstudent-resources/academic-boosters-ptsa to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
- Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
- Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
- Please visit our new Academic Boosters (PTSA) Spanish Publications locker to view “Making the Most of York” and the Grade-by-Grade Guide in Spanish. (Espanol)
Please consider joining us. Thank you.
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page! Share proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
Go Dukes!
March 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 7
This newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA - Academic Boosters Meeting:
March 12, 7-9 pm
Yorker Room
This meeting will feature a discussion
about book sales at York.
All parents are welcome.
York Academic Updates
Chess Team
2/14/2019 York’s very own Chess Team made the trip down to the Peoria Civic Center to test their might against the best that Illinois has to offer. After successfully navigating through sectionals, the team had less than two weeks to prepare for the INSA State Team Chess Tournament, where they would go against 123 other teams. The Dukes played a combined 56 games of chess. York ended up placing 68th in the state which is a huge improvement from last year where they placed 109th. The best records belong to sophomore Aaron Taub and junior Leander Grasmeier who both went 4-3, senior Tristan Contant went 4-2-1 and Manu Mehta finished 5-2. (from the thisisyork.org website)
Law Team
2/24/2019 Congratulations to the York Law Team for placing 2nd out of 20 teams at the Lake County Competition yesterday. Maya Iyer and Lexi Lukose won outstanding attorney awards and Katy Clugg and Anthony Aguilar won outstanding witness awards. (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Math Team
2/23/2019 York Math Team may have had to slip over some franklins but we made it. Congratulations to juniors Dylan Mahoney and Joey Gemini for placing 1st and 2nd respectively in the algebra two written contest and 1st as a team in the junior senior two person. Congratulations on a 1st place overall victory at ICTM Regional! (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Scholastic Bowl
2/19/2019 Congratulations to York's Varsity Scholastic Bowl team, which emerged triumphant from its conference preliminary rounds this week and now advances to the league championship. Led by Senior Captain Alex Boskov, the team shut out Morton before taming the Lions of LaGrange and earning the right to face West Suburban conference leaders Oak Park. With four strong Juniors--Dylan Mahoney, Andrew Trenta, Joey Alvestad, and Aaron Ludkowski, the Dukes are prepared to harness the Huskies. Ably backing up the varsity are solid Sophomores Aaron Taub, Adrian Zhuang, and Rhian Fazinni. Freshman Brennan Zehner had key winning answers as well. (from the York Announcements)
Speech Team
2/14/2019 Congratulations to the following members of the York Speech Team who advanced to the IHSA State Speech Finals in Peoria: Mike Bindeman and Erin Lee in Dramatic Duet Acting, James Golen in Extemp, David Hansen in Humorous Interp, and Emily Walker in Special Occasion Speaking. (from the York Parents Facebook page)
2/6/2019 York's Speech Club Team finished 2nd at Regionals and advanced 14 out of 15 events to Sectionals! See the York Speech Team Webpage for more information. (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
February 2019 |
|
English: |
Katharine Svehla |
ELL: |
Yelyzaveta Andryushchenko |
Science: |
Gracie Chiampas |
York Student Services: |
Evan Rocca |
Social Studies: |
Sydney Lind |
York Athletics: |
Samuel Walsh |
Mathematics: |
Evan Shemroske |
Business & Technology: |
Peter Quas |
Industrial Technology: |
Nathan Sanchez |
Visual Art: |
Mallori Hecker |
PE/Health: |
Helena Hjertstedt |
Family & Consumer Sciences: |
Madison Stark |
Performing Arts: |
Hayden Snyder |
World Language: |
Jacqueline Cimino |
York Activities: |
Austin Brown |
“Life After York Q&A” Recap
More than 100 parents attended the sixth annual “Life After York Q&A” event, which was held on February 28 in the York Commons. Attendees enjoyed rotating roundtable discussions led by fellow York parents who shared their experience and knowledge about the college application process as well as other post high school plans.
Event co-chairs Gina Orzak and Jenn Toffler are very grateful to the many volunteers and ready alternates who helped make this year’s event a success:
Elizabeth Dierksheide |
Amy Engstrom Clugg |
Natalie Perry |
Carol Frank |
Jessica Gatti |
Susan Rohde |
Barb Glabus |
Leah Gleason |
Andriani Siavelis |
KB and Bob Grasse |
Victoria Gundrum |
Myles Toomey |
Julie Hanebuth |
Debbi Khayat |
Pat and Neil Vandenberg |
Holly Kost |
David Lynam |
Carrie Stone |
Laura Maniola |
Mary Ann Manning |
Jennifer Trenta |
Lynn Marlott |
Lisa O’Halloran |
Virginia Wilson |
Jennifer Rosenberg |
Erin Radcliff |
|
A special thank you goes to Amy Thompson of York’s College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) for partnering with Academic Boosters for the event.
To learn more about “Life After York Q&A,” visit the Academic Boosters website. The site provides talking points from the event and introduces the new “College Resource List” which includes email contacts for parents who have experience with their own students in areas that require additional action or consideration during the application process, i.e. athletic recruitment, dance, two-year college, music, etc.
What to Do: MARCH
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer. Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide.
All Students:
• Register for Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if appropriate. York distributes registration information.
• Register for SAT Subject Tests if appropriate. These tests are required only by selective colleges. You might decide to take a particular test while the material is fresh in your student’s mind (e.g. Take the Biology Subject Test after completing Biology Honors).
Juniors:
• Meet with your counselor – again – to evaluate your senior year course plan. Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you. See our website for some upcoming STEM Activities.
RESOURCES
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students who need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource from PayScale, Inc. Use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slideshow to look at Best Schools by Majors.
York PTSA Academic Boosters Mission
The York PTSA Academic Boosters committee was formed to fulfill one of many elements of the PTSA mission -- to advocate for and support activities that encourage a robust academic environment at York. One way the committee does this is by spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented.
In addition, by developing parent guidebooks, online tools, and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers all parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York, and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
- Like us on Facebook: Visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
- Visit our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
- Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
- Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
- Please visit our new Academic Boosters (PTSA) Spanish Publications locker to view “Making the Most of York” and the Grade-by-Grade Guide in Spanish. (Espanol)
We have several current open positions for our events, activities and committees. Please consider joining us. Thank you.
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page! Share proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
Go Dukes!
February 2019
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 6
This newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA Academic Boosters Meeting:
February 7, 8:30 a.m.
Yorker Room
Our featured guest will be Cathleen Bendicsen, York’s new Counseling Department Chair. We will be discussing course selection advising, developmental plans for the counseling department, etc. All parents are welcome. Please park in the bus lanes.
Upcoming Special Event: Life After York Q&A
Attention Parents of Sophomores and Juniors: Are you starting to think about what your student will do after graduating from York? Is your student college-bound? Interested in military service? Not sure just yet? An upcoming special event — "Life After York Q&A: Parent to Parent Advice on College and Other Paths to Success” — will help you start thinking about the future. Join us on February 28, 7-9pm, in the York Commons.
Attendees will enjoy an evening of rotating roundtable discussions led by fellow York parents who will share their valuable experience and knowledge about the college application process as well as other post high school plans. Attendees will have the opportunity to select five table discussions from the list below:
-
Creating & Finalizing the College List
-
College Visits
-
College Applications
-
College Essays
-
College Scholarships
-
College Planning for Divorced Parents
-
Highly Selective Colleges & Universities
-
Military Service Academies / ROTC / Intelligence Communities
-
Alternatives to Four-Year College (Two-Year College, Post Graduate Year, etc.)
-
IEPs & 504s After York
“Life After York Q&A” is not intended for students. Parents do not need to register ahead of time. For more information, visit the PTSA Academic Boosters website.
This highly regarded program is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters Committee along with York's College Career Resource Center (CCRC).
York Academic Updates
(Alphabetic by group name and descending
order by date, for each club/activity/honor)
Educator of the Year
1/18/2019 York PTSA Academic Boosters are excited to congratulate York High School Business Chair Jim Borel who has been named the 2019 Junior Achievement Educator of the Year. For more information see the CUSD 205 website. (from the CUSD 205 website)
Honor Roll
1/18/2019 Congratulations and a job well done to all York High School First Semester High Honor and Honor Roll students. (from the CUSD 205 website)
Outstanding Educator Award
1/26/2019 Congratulations to York Orchestra Director Ray Ostwald on being awarded the 2018-2019 Outstanding Educator Award by the Illinois American String Teachers Association. This is in recognition of his dedication and outstanding work here at York. (from the York Community High School Performing Arts Facebook page)
Scholastic Bowl
1/22/2019 Congratulations to York’s Scholastic Bowl teams who are finishing up a winning season. The Freshman-powered JV has rolled to a 10-0 record against teams like Oak Park and Hinsdale Central, while the Varsity team has demolished Leyden and Addison Trail in their most recent contests—besting AT with over 500 points. (from the Academic Boosters Facebook page)
Speech Team
1/22/2019 The Speech Team traveled to Wheeling High School for the Rolling Meadows Invitational. The team placed 3rdout of 27 schools and has a record of 29 finalists. See the York Speech Team Webpage for more information. (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
Extramural Academic Activities
Cyber Club
1/31/2019 Students from the Elmhurst Cyber Club recently concluded an exceptional round of competition in the eleventh season of Cyber Patriot – the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The varsity team’s performance earned it Illinois’ 1st Place Award in the top division, for the fourth consecutive year. They earned a spot in the Platinum Semifinal Round to be held next month. Varsity York team members include: Sophie Ward, Will Phillips, Justin Pajak, Nathan Moskal, JJ Henessy and Joseph Black. (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
What to Do: February
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
All Students:
• Fine Arts Week is coming February 25 – March 1!
Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors:
• Register for summer school if it is in your plan. Summer school is not required although it can create room for a graduation requirement, elective or study hall during the school year.
• American Mathematics Competition (AMC) is used to increase interest in mathematics and to develop problem solving through elective competition. Refer to the chapter on Testing in the “Making the Most of York” parent guide on the Academic Boosters website.
Seniors:
• Send transcript of fall grades to colleges requiring them.
• Performing Arts students often have live college auditions during January and February. Be sure to check dates with each college.
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Resource Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you. See our website for upcoming STEM Activities.
Resources
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students that need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs. The service is free to York students. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource from PayScale, Inc. Use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slide show to look at Best Schools by Majors.
York PTSA Academic Boosters Mission
The York PTSA Academic Boosters committee was formed to fulfill one of many elements of the PTSA mission -- to advocate for and support activities that encourage a robust academic environment at York. One way the committee does this is by spotlighting those York clubs and PTSA events/activities which are academically-oriented.
In addition, by developing parent guidebooks, online tools, and organizing monthly PTSA-AB presentations by York faculty and administration, PTSA-AB offers all parents a terrific way to learn about the amazing environment at York, and how to navigate and balance the many academically rich opportunities for their child.
- Like us on Facebook: Visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the "Like" button.
- Visit our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
- Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
- Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ (not an official District 205 document).
- Please visit our new Academic Boosters (PTSA) Spanish Publications locker to view the Making the Most of York guidebook and the Grade-by-Grade Guide in Spanish (Espanol).
We have several current open positions for our events, activities and committees. Please consider joining us. Thank you.
Note: If you have an academically-oriented club or team, and have news to share, you can post on our York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook Page! Share your proud moments and encourage others to get involved. Page posts are monitored for appropriateness.
Go Dukes!!
December 2018
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 4
This Academic News at York Newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA - Academic Boosters Meeting:
-
Like us on Facebook: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
-
Visit our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters to find more information about our organization and support for your student during their years at York.
-
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook which was written by York parents for York parents.
· Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Checklist for Students & Parents written by parents who have ‘been there’ and is not an official District 205 document.
· Please visit our new Academic Boosters (PTSA) Spanish Publications locker to view the Making the Most of York guidebook and the Grade-by-Grade Guide in Spanish (Espanol).
Do you want to get involved? Visit our AB Contacts page for our events, activities and committees. Please consider taking an active part in academic success at York – we lift all boats! Thank you.
York Academic Updates
(Alphabetic by group name and descending order by date, for each club/activity/honor)
CUSD 205 School Rating
11/3/2018 York is designated “Commendable” in the State Board of Education’s (BOE) First School Rating Effort. This rating is part of the state accountability system for schools. As a matter of fact, all Elmhurst CUSD 205 schools received a rating of “Commendable” from the State BOE. Click here for a brief overview of this new rating system. D205 Superintendent Dr. David Moyer has put the State BOE’s new rating system into context for parents: “The District is adjusting to the new State Report Cards and continued changes in the state testing system. We are focusing our efforts internally on supporting our vision of all students graduating college, (plus being) career and life ready. As we continue to do so, we believe that our learners will continue to grow on both standardized measures and in the areas of creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, character and citizenship. These are the skills that students will need to be successful in life, not ‘at school.’ We do not view this as ‘either-or’ but rather as ‘both-and’ and we will continue to work hard to meet the needs of all students.” Visit D205’s School Report Card site to see each school’s rating and report card. (from the Talk 205 email)
Illinois Democracy School
9/27/2018 York High School is recognized as an Illinois Democracy School by the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition (ICMC). York will receive a stipend from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which convenes the ICMC to continue civic learning initiatives, as well as a new banner for public display. “We commend York for their tenacity and enthusiasm in expanding and improving civic learning across the curriculum and throughout Illinois,” said Sonia Mathew, Civic Learning Manager at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Through these practices and experiences students see first-hand the critical role they play in shaping government and society.” Read more about this on the District 205 website. (from the District 205 website)
Math Team
11/14/2018 Congratulations to the York Math team on a First place finish at our home meet. First place finishes went to the Freshman and Junior teams, and Second place finishes to the Seniors and Sophomores teams. Jericho Calago, a Freshman, turned in a perfect paper! (from the York Parents Facebook page)
Model UN
11/3/2018 York Model UN had another great showing at the St. Ignatius Model UN Conference. The York delegation of 27 students earned 8 individual awards and also received the outstanding small delegation distinction. Best delegate honors were awarded to Alex Norgle and Mollie Grasse; outstanding delegate honors were earned by Nick Pomatto, Maddy Small, Danny Reidinger and Noah Fine; and honorable delegate honors were achieved by Aaron Ludkowski and Jack Castanolli. Great job York Model UN! (from the York Announcements)
National Commended Scholars
11/14/2018 Congratulations to these National Commended Scholars! These 21 exceptional and noteworthy York High School Scholars are: Benjamin Airdo, Nicole Bednarik, Alexander Boskov, Isabella B. Filosa, Michael Flisk, Marie Grasse, David Hansen, Sean Hayes, Asha Labine, Bridget Lindgren, Manu Mehta, Emaan Mohsin, Nathan Moskal, Alexander Norgle, Emma Radcliff, Ryan Rask, Jackson Rosenberg, Artemis Siavelis, Rene Sieracki, Nicholas Ward and Jacob Wit. Click here for more information. (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook page)
National Hispanic Recognition Program
11/8/2018 The College Board recently honored eight York scholars as part of its National Hispanic Recognition Program. The invitation to the program was extended to students who scored in the top 2.5% of Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test takers in the region. Those students submitting applications were evaluated and the following York students were recognized: Chloe Gomez, Eva Jacobsthal, Justin Pajak, Edgar Roman, Lissandra Martinez, Sidney Valdez, Jacob Wit and Christian Glosner. (from the Doings)
National Honor Society
11/7/2018 Congratulations to the approximately 300 York students inducted into the National Honor Society. Click here for a list of members inducted, pictures and more information. (from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook page)
Scholastic Bowl
10/29/2018 Congratulations to York’s Scholastic Bowl team, which on Monday night got its season off to a strong start in the highly-competitive West Suburban Conference. Under the leadership of Sophomore Aaron Taub, the JV handily defeated its Downers Grove and Hinsdale Central opponents. The Varsity, under co-captains Alex Boskov and Dylan Mahoney, trounced Downers and took nationally-ranked Hinsdale Central to the very final question before ceding the loss. The Scholastic Dukes were anchored by Juniors Aaron Ludkowski, Bjorn-Joseph Alvestad and Andrew Trenta. Sophomores Rhian Fazzio, Adrian Zhuang and Elizabeth Yu, meanwhile, showed strong promise in their first Varsity appearances. Want to be part of this winning program? Bring your knowledge and quick wits to a practice any Monday or Friday. See Mrs. Wall or Mr. Bendelow if you have questions. (from the York Announcements)
Speech Team
11/20/2018 Congratulations to the York Speech Team for another stellar week! Both teams took first place! (from the York Parents Facebook Page)
District 211 Turkey Tourney JV/N
Tournament Champions
Rosie Kungl & Finnegan Belleau in Dramatic Duet Acting
Veeral Shah in Extemp
Isabel Kachappilly in Original Comedy
Emily Thomas in Prose
Joanna Menendie in Prose
Maya Anikiej in Prose
Owen Espinosa in Special Occasion Speaking
2nd Place
Grace Stewart in Dramatic Interp
Nathan Lee & Owen Espinosa in Humorous Duet Acting
Giana Gatti in Impromptu Speaking
Annalise Belzile in Oratory
Serena Jobi in Special Occasion Speaking
3rd Place
Sean Solem & Joanna Menendie in Dramatic Duet Acting
Lucy Valeski in Humorous Interp
Rosie Kungl in Oratorical Declamation
Annalise Belzile in Poetry
Emily Hyink in Special Occasion Speaking
Anjaly Kappen in Informative Speaking
4th Place
Heidi Ward in Humorous Interp
Serena Jobi in Original Comedy
Nathan Lee in Radio Speaking
Sam Birnbaum in Special Occasion Speaking
5th Place
Finnegan Belleau in Dramatic Interp
Clark Mahoney & Luke Milani in Humorous Duet Acting
Grace Wiesenmayer in Impromptu
Bradley Dow in Informative Speaking
Emily Thomas in Oratorical Declamation
6th Place
Kiran Moore in Extemp
Daria Tsoneva in Oratory
District 211 Varsity at Hoffman Estates
Tournament Champions
James Golen in Extemp
Jake Downey & Brianna King in Humorous Duet Acting
Joe Brown in Informative Speaking
David Hansen in Original Comedy
Anna Araujo in Oratory
Anna Collins in Poetry
2nd Place
Grace Maietta in Dramatic Interp
David Hansen in Humorous Interp
Alana Klein in Humorous Interp
Joe Brown in Impromptu Speaking
Olivia Rosenberg in Prose
Jaime Gleason in Special Occasion Speaking
3rd Place
Marianna Gatti & Kate Gehrke in Humorous Duet Acting
4th Place
Zach Bernstein in Informative Speaking
5th Place
Jake Downey & Brianna King in Dramatic Duet Acting
Adrian Zhuang in Radio Speaking
11/10/2018 York’s Speech Team continues to knock the cover off the ball! Way to go YORK!!
Owen Espinosa in Special Occasion Speaking
2nd Place
Finnegan Belleau in Dramatic Interp
Isabel Kachappilly in Humorous Interp
Rosie Kungl and Emily Thomas in Oratorical Declamation
Sam Birnbaum in Special Occasion Speaking
3rd Place
Isabel Kachappilly in Original Comedy
Joanna Menendie in Prose
4th Place
Sean Solem & Joanna Menendie in Dramatic Duet Acting
Veeral Shah in Extemp
Annalise Belzile in Oratory
5th Place
Owen Espinosa & Nathan Lee in Humorous Duet Acting
Annalise Belzile in Poetry
Nathan Lee in Radio Speaking
6th Place
Grace Wiesenmayer in Impromptu Speaking
Bradley Dow in Informative Speaking
Fremd Tournament Champions (3rd week in a row) by 40 points
David Hansen in Humorous Interp & Original Comedy
Tournament Champions
James Golen in Extemp
Joe Brown in Impromptu
2nd Place
Zach Bernstein in Informative Speaking
Emily Dow in Radio Speaking
3rd Place
Anna Collins in Poetry
4th Place
Anna Araujo in Oratory
Erin Lee in Prose
Emily Walker in Special Occasion Speaking
5th Place
Matt Hauser & Charlie Kungl in Humorous Duet Acting
Joe Brown in Informative Speaking
6th Place
Emily Dow in Oratory
Finalists
James Golen and Adrian Zhuang in Impromptu
Alana Klein in Original Comedy
Paul Nicoli in Extemporaneous
Owen Espinosa & Nathan Lee in Humorous Duet Acting
Giana Gatti in Impromptu
Jaime Gleason in Special Occasion Speaking
2nd Place
Finnegan Belleau in Dramatic Interpretive
Veeral Shah in Extemporaneous
Isabel Kachappilly in Humorous Interpretive
Adrian Zhuang in Impromptu
Anjaly Kappen in Informative Speaking
Rosie Kungl in Oratorical Declamation
Owen Espinosa in Special Occasion Speaking
3rd Place
Joanna Menendle & Sean Solem in Dramatic Duet Acting
Grace Stewart in Dramatic Interpretive
Joel Cruz in Extemporaneous
Jaime Gleason in Oratorical Declamation
Annalise Belzile in Oratory
Daria Tsoneva in Poetry
Nathan Lee in Radio Speaking
4th Place
Rosie Kungl & Finnegan Belleau in Dramatic Duet Acting
Grace Weisenmayer in Impromptu
Isabel Kachappilly in Original Comedy
Emily Thomas in Oratorical Declamation
Daria Tsoneva in Oratory
Annalise Belzile in Poetry
Clark Mahoney & Adrian Zhuang in Radio Speaking
Emily Hyink in Special Occasion Speaking
5th Place
Luke Milani in Humorous Interpretive
Eddie Gobber in Poetry
6th Place
Luke Milani & Clark Mahoney in Humorous Duet Acting
At the Downers Grove North tournament, our York team placed 2nd overall as follows:
Kate Caforio in informative Speaking
Emily Dow in Original Oratory
2nd Place
Kate Caforio in Original Oratory
Sam Birnbaum in Special Occasion Speaking
3rd Place
Joe Brown in Extemporaneous
4th Place
Anna Collins in Poetry
5th Place
James Golen in Extemporaneous
David Hansen in Original Comedy
Anna Araujo in Original Oratory
Finalist
Mike Bindeman in Oratorical Declamation
(from the York PTSA Academic Boosters Facebook page)
Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
|
|
English: |
Briana Borden |
ELL: |
Wendy Lopez |
Science: |
Liwia Kiryk |
York Student Services: |
Jake Barmada |
Social Studies: |
Kayla Mendiola |
York Athletics: |
Zachary Sutter |
Mathematics: |
Erin Lindgren |
Business: |
Timothy Hradil |
Industrial Technology: |
Tarahjiaun Jones-Boone |
Visual Art: |
Autumn English |
PE/Health/Drivers Ed: |
Julia Derkowski |
Family & Consumer Sciences: |
Jamie Killian |
Performing Arts: |
Lillian Crow |
World Language: |
Elinor Kness |
York Activities: |
Ellie Ryan |
What To Do: December
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click here to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
Freshmen:
Final exams are just before winter break. Finals represent 20% of your grade. Spread out studying for these exams to avoid last minute extensive studying.
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
Sophomores:
Final exams are just before winter break. Finals represent 20% of your grade. Spread out studying for these exams to avoid last minute extensive studying.
· If interested in the U.S. Military, request a pre-candidate questionnaire from your school counselor.
Juniors:
Final exams are just before winter break. Finals represent 20% of your grade. Spread out studying for these exams to avoid last minute extensive studying.
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
· Plan college visits for winter or spring vacation. Always go to school websites to register for admissions presentations and tours.
Seniors:
· Final exams are just before winter break. Finals represent 20% of your grade. Spread out studying for these exams to avoid last minute extensive studying. Colleges look at your transcripts to verify that students are keeping up with the same level of rigor and achievement.
· If qualified, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation must receive your SAT scores by 12/31. The SAT Program will not report your scores to NMSC unless you request it.
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
· Most Regular Decision applications are due 1/1.
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you. See our website for some upcoming STEM Activities.
Resources
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students that need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource – use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slide show to look at Best Schools by Majors https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report
Congratulations, and Go Dukes!!
November 2018
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 3
This Academic News at York Newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA - Academic Boosters Meeting:
Come to our next meeting on Thursday November 1st at 8:30 a.m. in the CCRC. Learn about Advanced Placement & Honors – the tactical and the strategic – why, why not, pros, cons, real life stories in a parent-to-parent conversation about AP and Honors classes. All parents are welcome.
Like us on Face book: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
Visit our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters.
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook.
Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Guide for Students & Parents.
Please visit our new Academic Boosters (PTSA) Spanish Publications locker to view the Making the Most of York guidebook and the Grade-by-Grade Guide in Spanish.
Support strong academics at York by participating in PTSA-AB activities! Take a look here.
On November 6, 2018, there is a mid-term election and on the ballot is the referendum for CUSD 205 schools. Find out more about it at the District 205 website. Thank you.
York Academic Updates
(Alphabetic by group name and descending order by date, for each club/activity/honor)
Model UN
10/6/2018 York Model UN had an epic showing at the Carl Sandburg Model UN Conference this last Saturday. The York delegation of 26 students brought home 9 awards (no really, that’s not a typo, 9 awards!!!). Best delegate honors were awarded to Alex Norgle, Maddy Small and Aaron Ludkowski; outstanding delegate honors were earned by Nick Pomatto and Danny Reidinger; and honorable delegate honors were achieved by Evan Johnston, Dylan Mahoney, Noah Fine and Maja Wlodarczyk on her very first Model UN conference. Great job York Model UN! (from the York Announcements)
Student of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
October 2018
English: Benjamin Zurlo
ELL: Yelmi Tornez-Martell
Science: Liwia Kiryk
York Student Services: Reed Brunson
Social Studies: Lily Rende
York Athletics: Gianna Nikoleit
Mathematics: Julia Stone
Business: Brian Niederman
Industrial Technology: Joseph Gemini
Visual Art: Guadalupe Guzman
PE/Health/Drivers Ed: Vincent Lococo
Family & Consumer Sciences: Natalie Nutter
Performing Arts: Lissandra Martinez
World Language: Neri Hernandez Garcia
York Activities: Maxwell Hofflich
What to Do: NOVEMBER
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click to access the Monthly Planner Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
EVERYONE: Visit the presentation on the changes to the course catalog and the registration timeline HERE.
Freshmen:
· Use your 4-year course plan to begin planning classes for next year and for summer school if interested. Be sure to think about balance, electives and classes in new areas to explore emerging interests. Refer to the Course Selection Timeline link above for specific dates
· Peruse the Performing Arts Calendar for band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama performances!
Sophomores:
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
· It is not too early to visit college campuses on school holidays or long weekends. Always go to their websites to register for admissions presentations and tours.
Juniors:
· Use your 4-year course plan to begin planning classes for next year and for summer school if interested. Be sure to think about balance, electives and classes in new areas to explore emerging interests.
· Course selection notes:
o AP Science labs require a lunch/half period.
o Invite to Teach and Medical Careers courses are each two class periods.
o Seniors may take 4-12 credits at Elmhurst College. Refer to the York Coursebook and speak with your counselor.
o Juniors and seniors can take classes at the Technology Center of DuPage. Refer to the York Coursebook and speak with your counselor.
· National Honor Society inductions are November 8th. Students may also apply during senior year.
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
· Plan college visits for winter or spring vacation. Always go to school websites to register for admissions presentations and tours.
Seniors:
· Early Action and Early Decision due dates are usually 11/1 or 11/15.
· Students qualifying for the Seal of Biliteracy will have a memo on their transcript indicating this, in time for ED/EA applications.
· National Honor Society inductions.
· Thinking about post-high school plans that do not involve college? Check out the CCRC website for information on gap years, military service and school-to-work options. Talk with your counselor!
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you. See our website for some upcoming STEM Activities.
RESOURCES
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students that need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource – use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slide show to look at Best Schools by Majors https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report
Congratulations, and Go Dukes!!
October 2018
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 2
This Academic News at York Newsletter is brought to you by the PTSA Academic Boosters.
Next PTSA - Academic Boosters Meeting:
Come to our next meeting on Tuesday night, October 16, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Yorker Room. Come to learn about new courses and course selection changes with our featured guest, Ryan Doherty, York Assistant Principal in charge of Curriculum and Instruction. All parents are welcome.
Like us on Face book: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
Visit our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters.
Our main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook.
Our Monthly Checklist is a Grade-by-Grade Guide for Students & Parents.
There is a place on this PTSA committee for YOU! Come to learn, or to volunteer for our events, activities and committees.
York Academic Updates
(Alphabetic by group name and descending order by date, for each club/activity/honor)
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
9/12/2018 Congratulations to the eight York High School seniors named today as Semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship competition! The students representing York are: Michael Bindeman, Joseph Black, Calvin Carta, Christian Glosner, William Phillips, Edward Ryan, Hayden Snyder and CeCilia Stumpf. (from the Elmhurst CUSD 205 website www.elmhurst205.org)
What to Do: OCTOBER
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Click to access the Monthly Checklist: A Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
Freshmen:
• All freshmen & sophomores attend an event to help prepare them for course selections.
• Parent-teacher conferences.
• End of 1st quarter is coming up. Check in with teachers to get help if needed.
Sophomores:
• All freshmen and sophomores attend an event to help them prepare for course selections.
• Parent-teacher conferences.
• Peruse the Performing Arts Calendar for band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama performances!
• Attend a College Fair. Get acquainted with schools and representatives. Visit the CCRC page for info.
Juniors:
• Parent-teacher conferences.
• Peruse the Performing Arts Calendar for band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama performances!
• Attend a College Fair. Get acquainted with schools and representatives. Visit the CCRC page for info.
• York-administered PSAT/NMSQT is given to juniors. This is the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholar. Refer to the chapter on testing in the “Making the Most of York” parent guide. Visit the College Board website for prep resources.
Seniors:
• Turn in the Transcript Release Form (green) and request a transcript for each school in Naviance. Then, immediately turn in the Transcript Request and Tracking Form (pink).
• If you need a counselor recommendation, turn in the Counselor Recommendation Form (blue).
• Attend the CCRC’s FAFSA completion workshop.
• Submit the FAFSA and CSS forms for college financial aid even if you do not think you’ll qualify for need-based aid.
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you.
RESOURCES
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for more information. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students that need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource – use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slide show to look at Best Schools by Majors https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report
See our website for some upcoming STEM Activities.
Go Dukes!!
Summer - August 2018
Compiled by Victoria Ludkowski 2018 - 2019 Issue 1
Welcome class of 2022!!
Summer Summary and Start of School Year Kick Off
June 2018 - August 2018
This is the first issue of the Academic News at York Newsletter for the 2018 – 2019 school year, highlighting academic achievements by York students in June, July and August.
· Like us on Face book: visit our page “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
· Come to our first meeting of the year on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. in the Yorker Room. Our featured guests are our principal Mrs. Erin DeLuga and the new Math Department Chair Mr. Ismael Zamora. Please park in the bus lanes to leave the visitor parking spaces open, thank you. All parents are welcome.
· Browse our website at: http://york.elmhurst205.org/welcometoacademicboosters
PTSA Academic Boosters main publication is the “Making the Most of York” guidebook. We invite you to use this guidebook as a resource. Freshman, you need this! Sophomores, read it anew! Juniors, you may have missed something useful! Updated for 2018-2019, this remarkable booklet is filled with mentoring information from parents who have been there – and are ready to help you navigate four extraordinary years at York High School.
A new supplement to the Making the Most of York guidebook is the Monthly Checklist—A Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents. Click here to access this invaluable checklist.
We have several open positions for our events, activities and committees. Please consider taking an active part in your student(s) academic success at York.
All current and previous newsletters can be found on the Academic Boosters website.
Thank you.
York Academic Updates
(Alphabetic by group name and descending order by date, for each club/activity/honor)
Animation Team
5/1/2018 York art teacher, Mr. Rich Edgley, was notified that one of the high school’s animation teams was named a finalist in the Golden Lion Awards, an organization within Film Cincinnati. The Lion Awards celebrate greatness in high school film making. Honored was A Sense of Adventure, an animated file by Autumn English, Mona Corpuz, Hannah Maloy and Isabella DeBlasio. The original music score is by Joe Brown. Please view the film on youtube.com. Search Rich Edgley and scroll down to A Sense of Adventure or click here. (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
AP US Government & Politics
7/5/2018 Congratulations to this year’s AP US Government & Politics students who have some record-setting scores! A record pass rate of 92% versus 53% nationally (students who scored a 3, 4 or a 5 on the test) and the number of students with the highest score of a 5 (43% versus 13% nationally) was noted. Hard work pays off! The bar is now set high! (from the York Parents Page on Facebook)
Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund
7/5/2018 The Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund (BEWSF) has awarded a scholarship to Eileen King who is a student at York High School. BEWSF grants college funding to exemplary students who have pro-actively served their community through dedicated volunteer service. The BEWSF ‘s mission aims to encourage high school students to serve as leaders by exercising sound judgement and making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Eileen King has enrolled at Marquette University and will likely declare her major in broadcasting or journalism. She summed up her thoughts about receiving the scholarship in this way: “I am so honored to receive this award.” (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
Congressional App Challenge
5/8/2018 The board recognized Ava Hollis, a freshman at York High School, for winning the Congressional App Challenge for the Fifth Congressional District. The challenge requires students to code original applications, with the chance of being selected for recognition by members of Congress. Hollis coded an app named React, which aims to help connect people to nearby EpiPens, inhalers and other medical supplies so that first aid can be administered before paramedics are able to respond. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois’ Fifth Congressional District recognized Hollis as the winner of the challenge for the district. (from the Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
DECA
6/5/2018 The Illinois Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Winners for York High School with advisor David Lyons are: Juniors Matt Anderson and Jason Kentra in the Financial Team Decision Making event finished second in the state in March and advanced to the DECA International Career Development Conference held April 21-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. At the State DECA conference, held in Rosemont earlier this year, over 900 participating students competed in economics exams, career cluster exams and role plays, being ranked against all the other competitors in their event, with the top ten students advancing to state competition. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe and provides opportunity for high school students to network and market their skills. (from Elmhurst CUSD205 Board Highlights)
FCCLA
7/3/2018 Congratulations to York graduate Kevin Homan who took the gold in “Say Yes to FCS Education” and senior Joseph Cornell plus the IL Culinary team who earned a silver medal in Culinary Arts Competition at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference and Competition in Atlanta, Georgia! Kevin and Joseph were among the 4,500 STAR Event competitors who competed in 30 different Family and Consumer Sciences related competitive events. (from Talk 205)
5/22/2018 The board also recognized several York students for earning top positions in their competition categories at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference, which took place in Springfield in April. The FCCLA is a nonprofit organization for students enrolled in family and consumer sciences. Four York students: Joseph Cornell, Kevin Homan, Margaret Quick and Jenin Telron, were named National Delegates at the event and qualified to take part in the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. (from Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board Highlights)
Illinois Economics Challenge
6/28/2018 The Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board recognized the York team that took part in the Illinois Economics Challenge, an annual competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of economics. York’s team of Jason Kentra, Hannah Cronin, Courtney Jopes and Anshul Shah competed in the 2018 Illinois Economics Challenge State Finals in Chicago in April. The York team placed second at the state competition. (Elmhurst Independent)
National Euro Challenge
6/28/2018 The Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board recognized the seven York High School sophomores who took part in the Euro Challenge and qualified for the event’s national competition in New York City in April. The members of the York team are: Samantha Cruz, Emily Dow, Brian Kelley, Matthew Kentra, Emmet McGovern, Ally Splitstone and Matthew Splitstone. The Euro Challenge is a program of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States that encourages American students to learn more about the European Union and its single currency. In March, the York team earned first place honors in the event’s Midwest Regional Challenge. The York students delivered a presentation on Italy’s high unemployment rate during the regional event. The York team qualified for the national event with its victory at the regional competition. (Elmhurst Independent)
SCARCE
6/5/2018 The DuPage County Storm water Management committee and SCARCE honored the winners of the 12th annual Sustainable Design Challenge during the committee’s monthly meeting. The top awards went to two groups of students from York High School. SCARCE coordinates the annual event, which encourages students to construct building and landscape models using environmental and water-friendly design practices, according to a DuPage County news release. The event is sponsored by DuPage County Storm water Management. Area professionals in science, technology, engineering and math served as judges for the challenge, the release stated. The winning groups were Cate Ayers and Siva Sreedhar from York for Overall LEED Design. The challenge took place on April 17, during which nearly 30 student groups presented models of their designs and explained the design elements, such as solar panels and native plant landscaping, that made their building sustainable, the release stated. For more information on the Sustainable Design Challenge, visit scarce.org/event/2018-sustainable-design-challenge. (from the Elmhurst Press Newspaper)
Science Olympiad
6/28/2018 The Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board recognized York’s Science Olympiad team, which placed eighth at the Science Olympiad’s Illinois state championship, which took place at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in April. Grant Hartlage, Peter Hartlage, Eric Doberstein and Christian Glosner represented York at the state completion. (from the Elmhurst Independent)
4/20/2018 The York Science Olympiad team competed at the State competition held at the University of Illinois. York’s team competed in the A division, ranking 8th overall with the following list of individual awards earned:
Dynamic Planet: 1st Place – Grant and Peter Hartlage
Fermi Questions – 2nd Place – Grant and Peter Hartlage
Forensics: 4th Place – Collin Kelley and Gracie Chiampas
Optics: 4th Place – Joe Black and Jacob Wit
Astronomy: 5th place – Alex Swinford and Eric Doberstein
Remote Sensing: 5th Place – Eric Doberstein and Christian Glosner
Disease Detectives: 5th place – Eva Jacobsthal and Emaan Mohsin
(from Elmhurst Independent Newspaper)
SkillsUSA
6/229/2018 Congratulations to York Industrial Technology student Joseph Gemini for placing 2nd in Technical Drafting CAD at the National SkillsUSA Conference and Competition held June 25-29 in Louisville Kentucky! This followed his first-place medal at the state competition earlier this spring. (from Twitter)
5/22/2018 The board also recognized two York students for earning medals in their competition categories at the SkillsUSA Illinois Championships, which took place in Springfield in April. The SkillsUSA program is regarded as a prestigious program in Industrial Arts education. Joseph Gemini finished first in the Technical Drafting CAD category. He will compete at the SkillsUSA national competition in Louisville, Kentucky in June. Matthew Shepherd earned second place in the Screen Printing category at the state meet. (from Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board Highlights from the May 22, 2018 Board of Education Meeting)
Student of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
April 2018
English: Madison McGreal
ELL: Sam Hak
Science: Emma Radcliff
York Student Services: DeShawn Wilson
Social Studies: Christopher Ziebert
York Athletics: Molly Evans
Mathematics: Luigi Allegrini
Business: Bruce Peters
Industrial Technology: Sam Pozen
Visual Art: Julie Jarden
PE/Health/Drivers Ed: Ethan Hunter
Family & Consumer Sciences: Jacob Little
Performing Arts: Christopher Rieger
World Language: Leo Brigham
York Activities: Christopher Foster
Extramural Academic Activities
PTSA Academic Boosters is pleased to recognize academically-oriented successes of York students wherever they are:
National Merit Finalists
04/12/2018 Nine York Community High School seniors named among the 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists identified by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) this fall were recently confirmed as NMSC Finalists. They are: Hannah Cronin, Matthew Dardick, Linnea Dierksheide, Courtney Jope, Carina Kanzier, Luke Rozmus, Anshul Shah, Katherine Tomaska and Christopher Ziebert. These students were honored by proclamation of the Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education at its April 10 meeting. All NMSC Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships offered in 2018. The selection of some 7,500 Merit Scholarship winners from the group of more than 15,000 Finalists is now in progress. Scholarship winners will be announced by NMSC in four groups from April through July. Thus far, three York Finalists: Linnea, Carina and Katherine, have been named as recipients of $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Two York Finalists have been selected as corporate sponsored scholarship winners: Anshul by Alliance Data Systems and Ashley by CDK Global, LLC.
Niche Ranks CUSD 205 in the Top 10
08/13/2018 Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 ranks among the top 10 school districts in the state of Illinois, according to Niche’s 2019 Best School Districts listing. CUSD205 ranked ninth among districts surveyed and earned an overall Niche rating of A+. The annual ranking is based on statistical analysis and reviews from parents and students. Analysis includes examining factors such as test scores, college readiness and graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores and teacher quality. CUSD205 also ranked in the top 15 for Best Athletics and top 25 for Best Places to Teach in Illinois. (Talk 205)
Tenth Midwest Chinese Speech Contest
04/21/2018 Congratulations to the following six York students who participated in this contest at Northside College Preparatory High School which was hosted by the Midwest Chinese Teachers Alliance (MCTA). This year there were about 200 students who participated in this contest, in which the high school division had 137 contestants, outnumbering all other divisions. Each high school (grades 9-12) teacher could enter no more than one student to participate in the contest.
High School Level One (32 contestants:
Anna Collins (Gold Award) & Mia Beres (Silver Award)
High School Level Two (35 contestants: Jenna Gallichio (Gold Award)
High School Level Three (34 contestants): Langston Gail (Gold Award)
High School Level Four (17 contestants): Marie Grasse (Silver Award
High School Heritage Student Group (19 contestants): Hui Tey (Gold Award)
What to Do: SEPTEMBER
Here is your grade-by-grade checklist which is focused on what York has to offer.
Legend:
Ø Freshmen and Transfer Students
Ø Sophomores
Ø Juniors
Ø Seniors
Ø All Students
Ø All Parents
Click here to access the Monthly Checklist Grade-by-Grade Guide for York Students and Parents.
· Freshmen and Transfer Students: Introduce yourself to your counselor.
· All Students: Bring questions/conflicts early to your teachers
· Freshmen: Take Freshman Orientation and Guidance (FOG) as part of your lunch period.
· Freshmen: Take Health in place of Physical Education (PE) either this semester or next.
· All Parents: Attend York Open House and Pick up a copy of the PTSA Academic Booster’s “Making the Most of York” and Grade-by-Grade Guide and read these publications!
· All Students: Start/Update your activity resume listing your activities, involvements and achievements throughout high school. This will come in handy later for work and college applications. Note: Get involved in service and volunteering! If you are interested in applying to the National Honor Society as a junior, document each contribution with a letter and/or signature from the sponsor organization.
· Juniors and Seniors: National Honor Society invitations are mailed to qualifying students. A meeting is held early in the month and petitions (applications) are due this month.
· All Students: Create/Update your 4-year course plan (PTSA Academic Boosters offers a sample planning spreadsheet on the Academic Boosters Website). Consult the online course offerings website for special considerations (e.g. NCAA required courses for college athletes). Be sure to include all required courses in the plan. This plan is handy when determining timing for college entrance and AP exams.
· Juniors: meet with your counselor – again – to evaluate your 4-year course plan.
· Juniors: visit the CCRC website and talk with your counselor for info on gap years, military service, school-to-work, and college planning.
· All Parents: Login to PowerSchool and sign up for daily school activity announcements. Also, join the York Parents Facebook Group.
· All Students and Parents: Check out the Athletics website for schedules and information on York sports. Check out clubs and extracurricular activities on the York Home Page Clubs/Activities link.
· All Students: If you do not have a social security number, obtain one. This number is often required for applications, testing, scholarships and other opportunities. Click here to find out more.
· All Students: Visit the Learning Commons and the Math Lab to see where to get help when you need it.
· All Students and Parents: Attend the Collage Concert, which features all York bands, orchestras, choirs and dance groups! For more information, check out the Performing Arts Calendar here.
· Sophomores: You will take Drivers Ed either 1st or 2nd semester, depending roughly on when your birthday falls.
· Juniors: Re-evaluate your plan for ACT and/or SAT tests. Register if you have not already done so. As scores are received, register again for future tests as needed. Note that York administers the SAT to juniors in April.
· Juniors and Seniors: Check out York’s College & Career Resource Center college prep programming for the upcoming school year. Mark your calendar and attend each session.
· Juniors and Seniors: Take the AAPPL/STAMP tests to earn the Seal of Bi-literacy on your diploma. Students will get a second chance in January.
· Juniors and Seniors: Explore college websites and online resources. Explore Naviance and Career Cruising tools to learn about colleges and careers.
· Seniors: Make a senior counseling appointment with the CCRC. Follow the 12 Steps to College checklist.
· Seniors: Refine your college list. Design your list to include 25% reach schools, 50% likely and 25% safety schools, based on your test scores and GPA. Use a tracking tool or a spreadsheet to help you stay organized (see the PTSA Academic Boosters website for an example).
· Seniors: review college admission requirements. Fill out each college application carefully and review the completed application. Review your testing plan to ensure scores will reach colleges by the application deadlines. Collect financial documents for financial aid filings. New FAFSA and CSS filing dates are 10/1 (October first). Determine which filing is used by each of your preferred schools. Funds are appropriated on a first come, first served basis. Seek out scholarship opportunities.
· Seniors: Consider Early Decision or Early Action plans. This is the latest month recommended to take standardized tests if you are considering an Early Action or Early Decision college application.
· Seniors: Attend college meetings with reps visiting York via the CCRC.
· Seniors: Request a copy of your transcript and check it for accuracy. Also, complete the green Transcript Release form which you can find in the CCRC office.
· All Students and Parents: Join the fun of Homecoming Week!
Thinking about college? York’s College & Career Counseling Center (CCRC) and PTSA Academic Boosters’ web pages have resources for you. See our website for some extracurricular STEM Activities.
RESOURCES
Common Application
Here is a Washington Post article that speaks the truth in the college application process. The takeaway? Find a good fit for you (your student). Look at admission percentages with a grain of salt. Click here for to read the article. (York PTSA Academic Boosters)
Tutoring
York Tutoring Center provides a dedicated space for students that need help with homework, learning new skills, or reinforcing concepts already learned. Students can be paired with a Peer Tutor or a Teacher based on the student’s individual needs free of charge. Click here for more information.
College Rankings, Best Colleges by Salary Potential
Check out this resource – use the Bachelors, Associates and Majors drop down menus to explore median pay by schools, majors or by job happiness. Also, check out the slide show to look at Best Schools by Majors https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report
Stay in the know on our Facebook page!
Visit “York PTSA Academic Boosters” and click the ‘like’ button.
Congratulations, and Go Dukes!!