Newsroom

YCSDigest - September 11, 2024

School Safety

Division Superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor addressed school safety during his report to the School Board on the opening of schools for the 2024-25 school year. He spoke to the division’s coordination with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office in responding to potential threats and both agencies commitment to take any reported concern seriously, regardless of whether a student is playing a prank, making a joke or having a lapse in judgement.

Recognizing the fear and disruption such threats cause in our schools and community, he asked families for help in preventing situations involving threats and rumors. “Please speak with your children about the seriousness of making threats or engaging in any unsafe behavior,” said Dr. Shandor. “Remind them social media is a powerful, and potentially dangerous, tool; especially when used in moments of stress, anger, and other emotions. If you are not already monitoring your child’s social media and text messaging, please do so regularly. We have a collective responsibility to keep our children safe.”

Below are a few things to know and share with your child to help keep our schools as safe as possible:

• If you see or hear a threat, call 911 if there is any possibility of immediate risk to someone.
• If your child comes to you with information they heard or saw on social media, help them save the post, and report it to the appropriate authorities.
• Use YCSD’s Report It form and/or hotline (757-890-5000) to notify the school.

State Assessment Results Report

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) published annual state assessment results, school accreditation ratings, and other data from the 2023-24 school year in late August. Overall, students in the York County School Division (YCSD) continue to surpass state averages in all five Standards of Learning (SOL) content areas.

Division staff shared additional information regarding student outcomes during the September School Board Work Session, including an overview of new and recent changes to state instructional standards along with the new accreditation and accountability system in place beginning this school year. The entire presentation can be viewed on the division's YouTube channel, and additional information also available on the division website. You can assess either using the links below.

2023-24 Assessment Results Presentation

2023-24 Assessment Results News Release

Virginia Literacy Act Implementation

In 2022, the General Assembly adopted the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) to improve early literacy outcomes for all students. Beginning this school year, the VLA requires school division to provide literacy instruction grounded in science-based reading research. As a division, we are proud to share we began implementing these instructional practices several years ago in alignment with our mission to prepare every student for a successful future.

We understand you may have questions about how the VLA will impact teaching and learning in your child’s classroom. To learn more about the VLA, the division’s comprehensive implementation plan, and access help resources, we encourage you to visit the division website.

New Inclusive and Accessible Playground

Dare Elementary School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to celebrate the completion of the division’s first accessible and inclusive playground where students of all abilities can develop their cognitive, social and physical abilities. The new playground features a rubber surface, making it easier for wheelchairs to move around, as well as specialized equipment and safety features to accommodate a range of physical and sensory needs, reinforcing the division’s priority to provide safe, welcoming and caring environments in which all students and staff have a sense of belonging and purpose.

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.