Newsroom

YCSDigest - October 12, 2020

Safe Return to Classrooms Update

Over the last two weeks students have begun returning to our schools, following the Hybrid Schedule for in-person learning. Staff are eagerly preparing for our second and third grade students to return next Monday, October 19. This evening, Dr. Shandor and senior staff presented new tentative, target dates for bringing more students safely onto our campuses.

The target dates provided below will remain tentative pending health and operation metrics remaining at levels that support safety and operational integrity. This gradual return is providing the division the opportunity to adjust and refine protocols to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Families are reminded to conduct daily health screenings each day a student is scheduled to be on-site, and to avoid providing over-the-counter medication to students prior to arrival.

In-Person Return Target Dates

Health Metrics and Positive Case Reporting

As the CDC has released new Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making, the division has modified our Health Metrics report on the Return to School site to align with the CDC indicators based on information provided by the Peninsula Health District. Additionally, the division has added a COVID-19 case status report to inform our community in the event of positive cases within the school division for schools with in-person learning occurring. Both the metrics reports and the case status report are updated each Monday.

Use of School Grounds

With students returning to our classrooms and athletic fields, we want to remind our community that school grounds are not open for public use during school hours or while school programs are taking place on-site. Outdoor high school athletic facilities and fields will typically not be available for community use prior to 7 p.m. on weekdays, while middle school outdoor facilities and fields will typically not be available for community use prior to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Elementary playgrounds and fields may only be used by the community after 4 p.m. on weekdays.

National Disability History and Awareness Month

In recognition of National Disability History and Awareness Month (DHAM), YCSD is highlighting division and school-based activities that promote leadership development, self-determination, employment skills, and inclusive school communities.

This week, we are highlighting the collaboration between YCSD, the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined Project, and ODU-TTAC to host the first ever YCSD Youth and Family Summit for high school students and their families. Since last fall's event, YCSD students continue to use the tools explored during the summit to participate in their IEP meetings and increase their self-determination skills. After the summit, parents were invited to participate in monthly Transition Tuesdays session to continue learning about secondary transition planning and community resources.

For additional information about Transition Tuesday or the I’m Determined Project, please contact Chiquita Seaborne at cseaborne@ycsd.york.va.us.

Throughout the school year, we will continue to spotlight programming available for students with disabilities and the accomplishments of our current and alumni individuals with disabilities. You can visit the Disability History Museum to learn more about how our culture, laws, and policies have shaped and influenced the experiences of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities over time.

On-Time Graduation Rates

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has released the annual On-Time Graduation Rate statistics for Virginia public schools. York County’s graduation rate for the Class of 2020 is the highest in our region and one of the highest in the state at 97 percent and exceeds the state average by nearly 5 percent. Additionally, more than 62 percent of YCSD graduates earned an Advanced Studies Diploma. Statewide, fewer than 52 percent of all students graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma.

Community Announcements

The York County School Division offers local businesses and organizations the opportunity to share information with students and parents regarding educational/enrichment activities, events and opportunities, which are either available to YCSD students or support division programs. These flyers are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the York County School Division or the schools, but are made available as a community service for our families. 

Community announcements can also be found on the division website and each school's website.