Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is in full swing - visit the VES website to register:
https://ves.yorkschools.org/o/ves/page/student-registration
Thank you to our wonderful 2024-2025 Peer Listeners! 23 York High School Juniors and Seniors have been peer mentoring students at York Middle School and at Coastal Ridge Elementary School this year. By connecting with their students, either one on one or in the classroom, they have made a great impact and have also gained valuable volunteer experience in the meantime. Here are just a few quotes from our Peer Listeners this year:
“I have really loved the connection that I have built over the past two years. Being a peer listener makes me feel special, as I can tell that my mentee always looks forward to seeing me!”
“I have enjoyed watching the student I was assigned to open up since the first time I began seeing her. She socially expanded with her peers and became more comfortable around them and me.”
“I love when I walk into the classroom of kids - some run up and give me hugs and they all get so excited when I walk in.”
“I have loved getting to know the student I work with. She has taught me to slow down and appreciate the small things around me.”
York Schools Volunteer Program
Meet Our Latest York Schools Hometown Hero: Nancy Fletcher
Nancy is one of our wonderful York Middle School Community Volunteers. We are so appreciative that Nancy chooses to volunteer each week to support our students in math. Our students and teachers enjoy seeing her weekly. Thank you, Nancy!
In the words of Nancy:
In 2017, after 40 plus years of teaching math at a large NH high school, I decided it was time to retire, to relax and enjoy family time. Acquiring part- time
employment at a local golf course seemed like a dream job. Then came the COVID
years and my husband and I became the at home teachers for our grandsons, while their parents were considered essential workers. After the boys returned to school, I missed the interaction of helping them with math or science or whatever they had to do. I noticed that I was still helping my grandsons with some math. It dawned on me that if they needed help, then there are other kids that probably did as well. So I decided to volunteer in math at YMS. I was accepted by the most wonderful 5th grade teacher, Mrs Geranis, that first year. She and I helped many of her students with math. Last year I worked with those now 6th grade students, in Ms Hammer’s class and the awesome sixth grade team. This year I have now
followed them to 7th grade in Mr. Daniels’ math class and I work with some 8th
graders in math as well, in Mrs Gould’s class. YMS is so lucky to have all of these
teachers and staff to work with the students. I volunteer, in order to give these
teachers an extra hand by answering students' questions in math when too many
hands go up or in TLT time. The best part is the acceptance of my help by all of the students who I have come to know. The quote “when one door closes another one opens” is certainly true in my case. By volunteering, I now get to do just what was my favorite part of teaching - helping students.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
2 Hour Delay. Block 1 starts @ 9:50. No AM SRTC.
Due to inclement weather, there will be a 2-hour delay today, Wednesday January 29, 2025 for all schools in York.
York Schools Volunteer Program
Meet Our Latest York Schools Hometown Hero: Maclean Douris, Peer Listener
Maclean has been an incredible addition to our Peer Listener Program. He volunteers multiple times a week in a 5th grade classroom and is a true role model to the younger students. The program has many high school Juniors/Seniors who make an impact in our schools and Maclean is one of many who go above and beyond. In the words of Becky Geranis, YMS 5th grade teacher: “ Maclean shows up week after week. His 5th grade fellas can be seen scanning the hallways awaiting Maclean's arrival with anticipation and big smiles! We have noticed increased engagement in student learning AND happier 5th graders as a result of Maclean's mentorship! Thank you, Maclean!”
In the words of Maclean Douris:
As the youngest sibling of four, growing up, it was always a wish of mine to have a younger sibling or to be some sort of role model for younger kids. When I heard there was a chance to be a Peer Listener at the middle school—where I could form connections and, hopefully, positively impact a few kids' lives—I was really excited about the opportunity.
When I first met my buddies, I knew instantly that we would get along well. We had similar interests, such as sports and video games, and once they got a bit more comfortable around me, they became two of the funniest kids I have ever met. Whether it’s heading down to the game room with them, playing basketball 1 v. 2, or giving them fist bumps when I first come into their classroom in the morning, I’m always looking forward to seeing these two guys.
They’ve shown me that they’re super comfortable being themselves, and they always try to have fun no matter what we’re doing. They’ve also taught me everything I’ll ever need to know about Fortnite, and I’m extremely thankful that I’ll have the chance to work with them during my second semester as well.
Congratulations to Ned Spaulding (‘28) who competed on the first US team in the Brilliant Blue Challenge against dozens of countries.
Brilliant Blue is a competition that invites students to explore the world of ocean innovation. They had the opportunity to come up with ideas that could protect our oceans and propel the blue economy forward.
In the picture, Ned is holding the NEPTUNE (Nautical Environmental Processing and Tracking Unit for Nautical Exploration) which was his group’s project. They received RAVE reviews on their presentation and won their category in the international competition.
Great job, Ned 🌊 🐾
With the upcoming early release: Reminder to sign up for a bag lunch!
(A Fan Favorite- Bosco Sticks!)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1loApAgRe5T_bavJZhXmGsy4Lyvh6FhvO8BUeuJM6Nh0/edit
Leave a legacy! Purchase a brick/paver for the new Athletic Complex
https://donate.brickmarkers.com/yhs
All 4 schools kitchens as a whole have received the lunch trailblazer award from the USDA & Action for healthy kids
Congratulations, Patrick Fahey (‘28), for winning the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Patriot’s Pen Certificate of Merit at both the district AND the state level. Patrick was recognized by James Bachelder, the district leadership for the VFW. It was wonderful to hear about Patrick’s essay he wrote last year and how it did so well — he was even able to compete at the national level 🇺🇸
Congratulations, Patrick! We are so proud of you 🐾
This week's Wildcat Wednesday introduces a new Educational Technician, Paul Slovenski. Mr. Slovenski is joining us from YMS, so he is not new to the district, but new to the building. A fun fact about him is that last summer he drove 13,500 miles with his family through 30 states and provinces getting a chance to see and experience 33 national parks in 50 days. Wow!
If you see him in the hallway be sure to say hello and ask him about the gymnastics move he used to be able to perform regularly! Welcome to the (YHS) Wildcat Family, Mr. Slovenski!
This week’s Wildcat Wednesday introduces a new educational technician at YHS, Tim Sheehan. Mr. Sheehan enjoys family, fun, and frisbee (plus as you can see from his picture — 🐟). He has already been a great addition to our team and we are fortunate to have him. Give him a 👋🏻 when you see him out and about in the hallways or offering student support in your classes.
Frau Kyer’s German classes were able to do something today that hasn’t been done since 2019! The Austrian Greetings Dance 💃🏼 🕺🏼
Students used communication skills saying things such as “greetings, I like you, let’s dance together”, danced (adapted to be a high-five), and had lots of fun.
Thanks for sharing such a cool learning moment 🇩🇪 🐾
This week’s Wildcat Wednesday introduces our long-term English teacher, Briana Hunt. Ms. Hunt will be covering for Mrs. Pinette who will be out this fall with her sweet baby boy.
A fun fact about Ms. Hunt is that she grew up in Massachusetts but spent every summer of her childhood visiting her grandparents here in York. When she’s not working she enjoys reading, cooking, doing crafts, and going to the beach with her two children.
We are fortunate to have her filling in and be sure to stop by and say hello 👋🏻
Regretfully there will be no Bus 21 AM service for the immediate future. This has been caused by an ongoing shortage of qualified bus drivers within the Ledgemere organization. There will be Bus 21 PM service; the YSD Business Administrator has offered, in addition to his regular duties, to drive that portion of B21 PM route until a driver can be hired.
If you know of a potential candidate for this worthy occupation, please forward the information to the Central Office of the York School Department.
Bus Drivers Needed! The York School Department needs bus drivers for the upcoming 24-25 School Year. Our contracted bus transportation company, Ledgemere, continues to seek out individuals who are looking to make an impact with students by providing essential transportation to and from home and school. This is an excellent opportunity to earn supplemental income while contributing to our community and to York Schools! Applicants will be paid for their training time and any additional costs for qualifications are reimbursed by the York School Department for York residents. Please consider this opportunity to make a difference!
This week’s Wildcat Wednesday introduces, Jessica Jamer, a new educational technician here at YHS. We are excited to have her join our Special Education team and our Wildcat family. Some fun facts about Ms. Jamer are that she loves spending time outside with her dog, Toshi, and enjoys doing crafts. This summer she volunteered at an art camp for kids and absolutely loved it. She is looking forward to seeing you back in the building next week!
What a productive day! We had great conversations with all of our department leaders and discussed our goals for the school year.
Looking forward to seeing all of our teachers tomorrow and students next week!
Bus Drivers Needed!
The York School Department needs bus drivers for the upcoming 24-25 School Year. Our contracted bus transportation company, Ledgemere, continues to seek out individuals who are looking to make an impact with students by providing essential transportation to and from home and school. This is an excellent opportunity to earn supplemental income while contributing to our community and to York Schools! Applicants will be paid for their training time and any additional costs for qualifications are reimbursed by the York School Department for York residents. Please consider this opportunity to make a difference!
