I hope this update finds you well…

Thank you to all of our families who have already registered for Parent Teacher Conferences. As of this writing, we have over 1,040 individual conferences already scheduled -- great job!

I would like to share my appreciation to all of our families who were able to support our Band, Orchestra, and Choral programs at their first concerts of the 21-22 performance season. Also, thank you to everyone who made our annual Red Paw event a resounding success!

The daily bell schedule for the week of November 1st is listed below:
  • Monday, November 1st - A Day
  • Tuesday, November 2nd - B Day
  • Wednesday, November 3rd - C Day
  • Thursday, November 4th - A Day
  • Friday, November 5th - B Day

The daily bell schedule for the week of November 8th is listed below:
  • Monday, November 8th - A Day
  • Tuesday, November 9th - B Day
  • Wednesday, November 10th - C Day
  • Thursday, November 11th - special 1/2 day schedule attached (dismissal 11:00 a.m.) PTC (12:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
  • Friday, November 12th - No School - Parent Teacher Conference (7:10 - 11:10 a.m.)

Included in this update:
  • Monthly Calendar - November - updated item
  • 59 Foxes inducted into National Honor Society - new item
  • 19 Foxes earn ILMEA District IX honors - new item
  • YHS Athletics Update - new item
  • YHS Activities update - First Robotics - new item
  • Seniors - last chance for Yearbook Photos - new item
  • Día de los Muertos - November 1st - new item
  • YHS Fall Play Jack Revolver, Freelance Secret Agent - November 5 & 6 - old item
  • Parent Teacher Conferences - don't delay, register today - updated item
  • Spotlight on Learning - Math Department - new item
  • This week in Advisory...- new item
  • Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week - new item
  • Dean's Safety & Security Update - new item
  • Program Spotlight - Vocational Education - new item
  • Map My Next Move - College & Career Center - updated item
  • Hey Seniors - FAFSA available - updated item
  • SAT National Test Dates - old item

In addition to my weekly email updates, I encourage everyone to follow us on Twitter and “like” our Facebook page to learn about all the great things happening at YHS.  We have so many great things happening— so don’t just FOLLOW but SHARE our FOX PRIDE within our community—help us build our following! 

As always, if this update raises questions, please ask. Thank you for all that you do—it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Have a great day!  GO FOXES!

With PRIDE,
David S. Travis
A - Days
B - Days
C - Days
Monthly Calendar - November
Provided for our families is a month at a glance summary.
  • A Days are highlighted in "Red" - November 1, 4, 8, 15, 18, 22, 29
  • B Days are highlighted in "Gray" - November 2, 5, 9, 16, 19, 23, 30
  • C Days are highlighted in "Green" - November 3, 10, 11, 17
  • November 11 & 12 (Parent Teacher Conferences), November 24, 25, 26 (Thanksgiving Break)
59 Foxes Inducted into NHS!
Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the Yorkville Chapter of National Honor Society (NHS)! NHS is a highly recognized student organization that uses a unique, forward thinking lens to recognize outstanding students. We are thrilled to welcome the following students to our legacy. 

Ellie Alvarez, Trista Anderson, Jenna Anderson, Dillan Black, Abigail Bolard, Mia Boule, Paige Brasfield, Brichard Brummel, Logan Brusak, Joslyn Bullington, Nicholas Childs, Abby Dobson, Tessa Eads, Makenna Edwards, Ava Engelken, Elizabeth Falche, Hailey Fedanzo-Dudley, Ava Fichtel, Aiden Griffin, Julian Halsey, Ava Hendershott, Kaitlyn Hix, Collin Janusz, Emma Jasutis, Emma Kuncl, Kasie Lester, Viviana Lopez, Kaylie McClung, Ella McKeever, Delaney Mehochko, Taylor Miller, Vanessa Mleczko, Courtney Morse, Caden Nadler, Avery Nehring, Trevor Nolan, Alli Paletta, Sophia Pankow, Holly Quanstrom, Payton Reilly, George Reinert, Emily Rodriguez, Yaritza Santiago, Hogan Schmitt, Katlyn Schraeder, Rylie Sewell, Isabel Shaughnessy, Evie Sims, Ariana Somma, Samantha Stoedter, Samuel Tholen, Alex Tobin, Taylor Tomblinson, Jaedon Vaughn, Alexis Wasserberg, Kendall Wayne, Ella Westenskow, Benjamin Whaley, Anneliese Wolf

And while we believe in the value and power of recognition, being a member of the Yorkville chapter of NHS is far more than academia. Our program is about elevating the culture of an entire community through everyday scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These students have shown a commitment to these shared values. Throughout the school year, NHS supports the further development of leadership, cultivates a love of giving back, and prepares for the next phase in their academic journey and beyond. 
19 Foxes earn ILMEA District IX honors!
Activities Update
The FIRST Robotics team hosted Lt. Wolf from Kane County Sheriff SWAT Team and Bomb Squad who demonstrated some of the robots they have helping our law enforcement team on Tuesday, Oct 26. He lent the team one of their robots to analyze and troubleshoot. The FIRST Robotics teams meets 6-8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday in the workshop behind YHSA. Come check us out, we are always looking for new students to be members.
Athletics Update
Congratulations to the senior band, color guard, football, cheer, poms, cross country, and tennis students that participated in senior night on Friday, October 22nd. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the seniors and their achievements. In addition, the Foxes football team punched their ticket to the IHSA Playoffs with a huge win over SPC leader, Oswego 48-26. The Foxes will travel to Plainfield Central in the 1st Round of the IHSA Playoffs. The game is set for Friday, October 29th at 7pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate at Plainfield Central.
Congratulations to the boys and girls cross country teams on advancing to IHSA sectionals. The girls finished 2nd as a team, losing in team points 31-28. Congratulations to Yorkville senior, Anna Hunter, who won the individual regional championship. The boys placed 5th overall in qualifying for the IHSA sectional. Good luck to both the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams as they travel to the IHSA Sectional at Bob Mays Park in Quincy. 


Congratulations to the girls volleyball team on winning the Class 4A IHSA regional championship. The Foxes defeated Naperville North 15-25, 25-20, 25-15 in a thrilling match on Thursday, October 28th to claim their first regional title since 2007. The Foxes move on to the sectional semi-final where they play #1 seed Metea Valley at Oswego High School at 5:30pm on Monday, November 1st! 


Thank you to the District 115 School Board for recognizing IHSA Class 2A Girls Golf runner up finisher Mia Natividad at this week's board meeting. Natividad was the first golfer, boys or girls, to medal at the state meet. Congratulations again to the girls golf program and Mia Natividad on the outstanding accomplishment. 
Winter sport registration! All student-athletes interested in participating in a winter sport (cheerleading, dance, bowling, basketball, boys swimming, or wrestling) need to register on the athletic website and turn in an updated copy of their sports physical to the athletic office. Competitive cheer, competitive dance, and boys bowling start on Monday, October 25th. Girls basketball starts on November 1st, boys basketball starts on November 8th, Girls bowling starts on November 15th and boys swimming (co-op with IMSA) starts on November 22nd. Get involved and register today!
Día de los Muertos Celebration - 11/1/2021
Please join us for a great night celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on 11.1.2021 at Yorkville Middle School from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 

We will have: Music, Performances, Artwork, Altar 

The event will be structured due to COVID-19. Please click here for flyers in English or Spanish.
FALL PLAY - November 5th & 6th
The YHS drama department is excited to announce that our fall play--Jake Revolver, Freelance Secret Agent--will take the stage for live performances at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6. The show combines the mystery of radio noir with fast-paced parody, clever wordplay, hijinks and hoodwinks, and too many Beatles allusions to count. Plan now to enjoy a night out while supporting our talented cast and crew, General admission tickets will be available at the door for $5 per person. Health screenings must be completed before entering the building, and masks will be required while inside. Contact Mrs. Kim Zoephel (kzoephel@y115.org) or Mr. David Tabler (dtabler@y115.org) with any questions.
Parent Teacher Conferences - don't delay, register today!
As a reminder, this year’s fall parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, November 11th from 12:00 - 7:00 PM and Friday, November 12th from 7:10 - 11:10 AM. This is a great opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers for a ten-minute conference.
 
You can schedule appointments online using the PTC Wizard System from now through Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. This opportunity is available at any time of day or night. We have been assured that as many as 6,000 families could schedule simultaneously without overloading the system.
 
You may make appointments with as many or as few teachers as you wish. Please understand that we built in a 5-minute transition between conferences to keep our teachers on schedule. Also, for those new to this process, all conferences are held in the YHS gymnasium.   
 
Keep in mind that, in some instances, ten minute conferences are not adequate. If you find yourself in that situation, you may make an appointment with that teacher for a follow-up conference or a phone conference at a later date. If one of the teachers has a full schedule, you may contact the teacher through email and arrange a time to talk about your child’s progress in a particular class. 

This year's conferences will offer our families the option to conduct their conference in-person or virtually. Families interested in an virtual conference should include a note stating "Virtual Conference" in the comment section when you schedule your student(s) conferences. If no note is added to the comment section indicates the conference will be "in-person". Individual teacher zoom links will be sent out the week of November 8th.
 
You can access the PTC Wizard website by following the steps below. Once you have completed registration, you will be guided through a step-by-step procedure which allows you to choose from your child’s teachers’ available time slots. If you do not know the names of your child’s teachers, I encourage you to retrieve that information from the Home Access Center .  
 
In order to register on the PTC Wizard parent website, please proceed with the following:
 
  • Open the link https://yorkville.ptcwizard.com/parent and click on Create Account! button (see example).
  • Fill out the form you are redirected to. Type in your first name, last name, email address and a password you would like to use to log in to PTC Wizard (see example).
  • Once you click on Register, you will be redirected to Add A Child for. Fill it out and hit Save (see example).
  • In case you would like to add more than one child, you will be able to do so in Account settings once you log in (right top corner of the screen). 
  • After you hit Save, you will be prompted to give your consent to receive letters from the system via email (schedules, notifications about appointments being booked/cancelled, etc.)
  • After creating a log in, you can view the video tutorial for more assistance.
 
After you create a conference schedule for yourself, the details of your schedule will automatically be emailed to you. If you do not have internet access, please contact Mrs. Bara at abara@y115.org or 630.553.4380 extension 4237. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Spotlight on Learning - The wonderful world of Math!
Each week we will feature a department to provide information about courses that your student may be currently enrolled in, or may be interested in registering for in the future.
 
This week, our featured department is Mathematics.

Did you know that students need 3 credits (6 semesters) of Math to graduate, and Geometry is a graduation requirement?

The following courses are offered to our juniors and seniors.

Quantitative Literacy (QLIT) is a course for 12th graders that serves to strengthen core math understanding in preparation for Dual Credit enrollment in MTH107 Basic Statistics second semester. Students connect concepts of number sense, fractions, percentages, algebra, and graphing to real world applications in personal health, business, and daily life skills. Students complete four projects (one per unit) in addition to tests to demonstrate their understanding of the applications of math. Students who have taken the course have been most proud of their understanding of the material and of their ability to have a positive mindset about math. This course is most appropriate for students who have encountered struggle in math or who do not feel prepared to take pre-calculus. Students who pass the semester with a 70% or higher are eligible to waive the math placement test at IL community colleges and take dual credit MTH107 second semester.

Our Mathematics Department is proud to offer 2 Dual Credit courses. Within the Math Department, the Dual Credit program provides students with college credit through Waubonsee Community College if a grade of 70% or higher is earned.  

MTH101 College Math is the first of 2 Dual Credit math classes offered at YHS. This course is offered to 11th and 12th grade students. Students must have a 530 on their Math SAT in order to be eligible to enroll in this course. Students will learn the often-overlooked math topics from algebra and geometry; focusing on logical reasoning, problem solving, finance and budgeting, probability, mathematical models, fractals and symmetry. Students have remarked that while the course is challenging, it’s a good introduction to the workload of a college course. 

MTH107 Basic Statistics is a one semester Dual Credit math class for 12th graders, designed to introduce students to real world statistics topics including sampling methods, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and probability. Students must have either passed QLIT, or have a 530 Math SAT in order to enroll in the course. Students will complete one survey project where they gather data and interpret results. Former students have said that the workload is initially challenging, but the content is interesting and has helped them become smarter consumers of media, as they can ask better questions about data presented in the world around them. As a Dual Credit course, students who earn a 70% or higher in the course will receive 3 credits from Waubonsee Community College.

AP Calculus AB/BC students are learning limits, derivative rules, applications of derivatives, integration rules, and applications of integration. AP Calculus AB/BC is offered to 11th and 12th grade students. AB is equivalent to most universities' first level and BC being equivalent to second level of calculus. AP Calc is a great preparation for college level advanced math as it prepares you to not only be good at computational math, but apply all of your knowledge to help answer real life scenarios. Students are engaging in interactive lectures that combine note taking with practicing both in a traditional and non-traditional format. Some exciting topics are what are the best dimensions of a suitcase that would allow us to pack the most clothes and how to find the volume of non-traditional 3-dimensional shapes such as a vase.

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. In order to take AP Stats, students must have passed Algebra 2. AP Stats students develop their understanding of data using technology, problem-solving, and writing as they explore concepts like describing distributions, sampling methods, probability, and hypothesis testing. While other math courses focus on procedures and computations, the focus of AP Stats is analyzing and understanding what the data tells us and why this is important. If you've ever wondered "Why am I learning about this?" in a math class then AP Stats might be the class for you! 

If you have any questions about the Mathematics Department or it’s many course offerings, please contact us! Department Chair, Mrs. Tina Marzolf at tmarzolf@y115.org, or your student’s guidance counselor.
This Week in Advisory...
This past week, students reflected on the results of the GRIT (passion and persistance) Survey, Trusted Peer/Adult Survey and their responses to Map My Next Move (post-secondary aspirations and career goals). Students used this information to summarize their overall results and create an artifact that helped demonstrate what they learned about themselves. The purpose of the lesson was to help students reflect on their current mindset, connections with the school community and their peer/adult relationships at YHS to identify areas of strength and growth, and what steps would be necessary to attain their future aspirations and goals.   

Listed below is a summary of the Academic and Social Emotional Lessons that will be taking place in your student's Advisory period for the upcoming week:

Monday, November 1st (Academic Lesson): Students will reflect on their academic progress through Quarter 1 and provide feedback to YHS Building Administration on their current experience within Advisory. 

Thursday, October 21st (Social Emotional Lesson): Students will be introduced to the Quarter 2 "Passion Project", which will help students identify personal, academic, extracurricular interests or passions and how to use that information to help determine career aspirations and post secondary plans.
Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week
Parents and Students, last month in “Why Colleges Look at Students' Social Media” we read about the importance of controlling the information that we post about ourselves on social media platforms. This week we have attached how to control your privacy settings on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to ensure that you have the knowledge to protect the privacy of your accounts.  
Dean's Safety Update
We are coming to the end of our 1st quarter of the 21-22' school year. We have had a great quarter with much to celebrate, and it has been wonderful to have all of our students back in the building. We will begin second quarter by redistributing new off campus privilege stickers on Monday, November 1st. Any student who has parent permission, Cs or better in all classes, and no more than 1 disciplinary referral will meet the requirements for Off Campus Priviledges. Monday during your student's lunch hour, they can come to the gymnasium and get their new sticker for the 2nd quarter. If you or your student have any questions or concerns please ask your student's dean.
Peer Tutors Available!
The Peer Tutoring Centers are opening Monday, October 18th! We have over 60 trained peer tutors who are ready to serve. Peer Tutoring Centers will be available in the YHSA Den and at the Main Campus, Room D211.

In addition to meeting with teachers during Office Hours and FlexBlock, peer tutors offer an additional layer of support for students. Our peer tutors are excited to serve in this capacity, so please encourage your student(s) to attend.
Program Spotlight - Vocational Education
Each week we will feature a unique YHS program that your student may be currently enrolled in, or may partake in the future.
 
This week, our spotlight program is Vocational Education: Students participate in Vocational Education in order to provide themselves with skills that are career oriented. Students work on activities such as clerical work, inventory, filling orders, stocking shelves, and preparing for an interview to later make horizontal movement into possible job shadowing and paid employment opportunities in the community. Activities are scaffolded in order to meet individual student needs and levels but still provide them a work oriented job skill based experience. Students have the opportunity to sign up to be a part of Yorkville’s work program grant with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). It is our goal in Vocational Education for all students enrolled to walk away with a work portfolio that will assist them post secondary. If you would like more information regarding Vocational Education or DRS please feel free to contact Nina Doom at cdoom@y115.
Map My Next Move Update - College & Career Center
Each year, the Counseling Department requires that all students complete the Map My Next Move survey, detailing their individual post-secondary plans. This survey allows Counselors to collaborate with students and families to support the college and career aspirations for all students. 

Post-secondary planning involves evaluating all options for students to pursue after high school graduation. These plans may include: entering the military, going straight into the workforce, attending a trade and/or vocational school, and attending a 4 year college or university. As a Counseling Department, we strive to ensure that all students have identified a post-secondary plan, and have the tools to help that plan turn into a reality. 

Post-secondary plans should be attainable, researched and have a "back-up" plan. In the event that your student is planning on attending college, that means that they should have an identified "safety" school to apply to. Safety schools are defined as those in which a particular student has a 75% chance or better of being accepted. 

Please click here to have your student complete the survey.

As of Wednesday, October 27th, the Map My Next Move survey completion rate is as follows:
Class of 2022 (Seniors): 400/512; 78% completion rate
Class of 2023 (Juniors): 349/496: 70% completion rate
Class of 2024 (Sophomores): 440/517; 85% completion rate
Class of 2025 (Freshmen): 468/536; 87% completion rate
Hey Seniors - Let's Complete the FAFSA!
Senior Families: Completing the FAFSA or the FAFSA waiver is an Illinois state high school graduation requirement--in order to graduate, you MUST complete it! The FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid, that must be completed to qualify for federal grants, state grants, and institutional scholarships provided by colleges and universities. Remember, grant money is obtained by completing the FAFSA on a first come, first served basis! The FAFSA application is open now! 

Click here for the link to complete it!

Each year, the amount of Illinois grant money runs out earlier and earlier. By completing your FAFSA as soon as possible beginning October 1st, you put your student in line to receive the money for which they qualify. The FAFSA application is based on your tax documents from the previous year; no need to estimate or update! 

Six years ago, only 59% of the Class of 2015 grads completed the FAFSA, with less than 30% completing prior to the announcement that state grant money was depleted.  Last year, 58% of the Class of 2020 completed their FAFSA prior to the announcement that state grant money was depleted. 

As of Sunday, October 24, 117 families have completed the FAFSA graduation requirement!
Hey Seniors...
To maximize your post secondary options and merit based scholarship opportunities we encourage you to take the SAT or the ACT. Please consult with our College & Career Counselor Kendall Sims at ksims@y115.org if you have any questions in regards to test options and college admissions. Senior Counseling Lessons will also showcase the testing experience to support your student's decision. Test registration dates are approaching! 

National SAT Test Dates in Early/Late Fall 2021
Test Dates:
November 6, 2021
December 4, 2021
*Go to www.collegeboard.org for test day registration information 

National ACT Test Dates in Early/Late Fall 2021
Test Dates:
December 11, 2021
*Go to www.act.org for test day registration information 

Good Luck!