Newsroom

YCSDigest - April 16, 2021

2021 Graduation – See You at the Finish Line!

Graduation ceremonies represent both the finish line of a student’s K-12 academic career and the start of their future. After more than a year of navigating the course of COVID-19, it seems fitting that the BHS, GHS, THS and YHS Classes of 2021 will celebrate graduation at the Start/Finish line of the Langley Speedway on June 14 and 15, and will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, such as thunder and lightning, June 16 and June 17 will serve as the alternate dates (detailed schedule provided below). The York River Academy ceremony will take place at Yorktown Middle School at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16.

The dates and venue for graduation were selected based on criteria developed by a committee comprising students, parents, school and division administrators, and teachers. The committee’s top priorities included that the ceremonies take place on or before June 18, return to a more traditional format with students seated together as a class, and take place at a venue allowing the maximum number of guests possible.

As indoor venues are limited to no more than 500 people per state restrictions, no indoor locations met the committee’s criteria. The division worked extensively with multiple outdoor venues across the peninsula. Most locations requested that guests be limited to two per graduate, while the speedway can allow additional attendees while still adhering to all mitigation strategies required by the state. Ticket allotment will be determine based on the school’s graduating class size, but will be no less than four (4) tickets per graduate.

The division will live stream all ceremonies on the division’s YouTube channel. Additionally, on each school’s graduation date, the school will adopt the asynchronous schedule used on Wednesdays. Schools will provide additional details to members of the senior classes and their families in the coming weeks.

BHS, GHS, THS and YHS Graduation Ceremony Schedule

*Alternate dates are for severe weather cancellations only

2021-22 School Year Planning

While the division is preparing to return to a traditional 5-day, in-person school week for the 2021-22 school year, we recognize that there are still many variables and uncertainties for our families regarding COVID-19 and the return to in-person learning. Understanding that a K-12 virtual learning program is important to some families as we continue to navigate the pandemic, the Department of Instruction is finalizing details with school and state officials to share with families by the end of the month. However, it is important to note that we anticipate virtual learning in 2021-22 will be different from the program provided this year.

Kindergarten Registration

Even as we enter the final lap for the Class of 2021, we are prepping to welcome the Class of 2035! Kindergarten registration officially launches in May, though families can complete the online pre-registration form at any time. Each elementary school will host a virtual event to share a brief overview of the kindergarten program and assist parents with the registration process. Opportunities to complete the pre-registration process with help from division staff will also take place at various community locations throughout May and June. Those dates, times and locations will be posted online within the next week.

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.