I hope this update finds you well… I am incredibly proud of the Yorkville High School staff and the Y115 team for putting together a positive, thoughtful, and supportive schedule for our students and families. We will learn many things as we go along, and as we do, we will work collaboratively to make adjustments if needed. For now, it is essential that we do our best to proactively support our students. We are confident that our schedule will help our students thrive academically but provide an opportunity to rebuild our school culture, reconnect our students to each other and our staff, and the PRIDE of being a Yorkville FOX! Now more than ever, it is imperative for our children that WE work together to those ends. Thank you to our returning eLearners who participated in our FOX Caravan yesterday. We hope it helped ease your fears and raised your level of comfort to come back for full in-person learning this year. Make sure you circle Thursday, August 26th on your calendars— you don’t want your student to miss the first day of school! On Thursday, August 26th we will run our A Day schedule. On Friday, August 27th we will use our B Day schedule. The daily bell schedule for the week of August 30th is listed below: Monday, August 30th - A Day Tuesday, August 31st - B Day Wednesday, September 1st - C Day Thursday, September 2nd - A Day Friday, September 3rd - B Day Just a reminder that school supplies at the high school are determined on a course by course basis. On the first day of class, your respective teachers will distribute their course syllabus that will outline the needed as well as recommended class supplies. Students need to bring a writing utensil (pens & pencils), your calculator, a notebook, a fully charged Chromebook, and the charger cord in their backpacks for the first day. Also, please note that historically bus drop off is completed approximately 10-15 minutes prior to our first bell leaving ample time for your student to get to their classes. I know the transition to high school can be a little scary, so reach out if you have questions. A couple of other reminders for our families: If your student is having a locker issue, please have them go to the Dean's Office at the main campus and the main office at the Academy. If your student is having a scheduling issue, please have them go to the Guidance Office at the main campus and the main office at the Academy. If you student has not completed the registration process and/or need to turn in medical forms to complete the process, please direct them to the main office at both campuses.   Included in this update: Daily Health Certification - new item 21-22 YHS Modified Block Schedule - old item Monthly Calendar - August - September - old item Lunch/Office Hours - new item Earned Privileges - new item The purpose of Advisory - old item The purpose of FlexBlock - old item YHS Athletic Update - new item Freshmen Transition Program - August 24 - old item Main Campus (Upperclassmen) - Open Campus Visit - August 24 - old item Chromebook Exchange - new item Student Parking - old item Off-Campus Application, Locker Request, Lunch Assignments - new item 21-22 Returning Y115 Student Registration - old item Key Important Dates for Release of Information - old item Fall Sports Registration - old item Freshmen Physical Requirement - old item Senior Vaccination Requirement - old item 2022 Yearbook Pre-Order - old item Senior Ads - Yearbook 2022 - old item 20-21 Yearbook pick-up information - old item Student Services Referral Form - new item Change of Schedule Process - new item College Application Night - new item Financial Aid Night - new item PSAT/NMSQT Registration - old 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 and a fantastic summer!  GO FOXES! With PRIDE, David S. Travis

Daily Self-Certification - Check GREEN - do it everyday! All students and staff who will be on-site at a district school will be required to complete an electronic daily health questionnaire prior to arriving at school to determine whether or not he/she has a fever or any COVID-19 related symptoms. Each day, parents will receive an email to complete a short on-line daily health certification. You can take a screenshot and share the green check with your student or your student access their green check in their Y115 student email.  If your student receives a red check, our building nurses will follow up with families. Feel free to reach out to our building nurses regarding symptom related questions. Building Nurses: 9th Grade: Arlene Anderson 630.553.4385  10th-12th grade: 630.553.4380 Jamie Anderson ext. 6414 Caitlyn Jess ext. 6441 If the district-provided health questionnaire was not submitted by a parent, upon arrival at the school, an adult will take his/her temperature and help the student complete the health questionnaire using the visitor QR code prior to being allowed access to the school building. Daily student absences still need to be communicated via the attendance phone line. Parents will be asked to report the reason for the absence as the health department tracks COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms.

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Lunch / Office Hours All students will have a 25-minute lunch periods opposite a 25-minute open Office Hour period. Students will either have Lunch/Office Hours occur during period 5A/5B or 5D/5E on A Day. On a B Day Lunch/Office Hours occur during period 6A/6B or 6D/6E. On a C Day Lunch/Office Hours occur during period 6A/6B or 6D/6E. We will review lunch periods with students each of the first couple of days. This configuration means that during Lunch/Office Hour times of the school day, approximately one quarter of our student body is at lunch, one quarter of the student body will be able to access available teachers during office hours, with the remaining half of the student body in class. This configuration will prohibit some students having daily access to all of their teachers; however, access can still be attained before/after school, or during weekly FlexBlock. Teachers’ scheduled Office Hours will be posted on their individual Canvas pages, but can alternate within a given Lunch/Office block for the semester in order to provide greater access to students.  Please note that students can be assigned Office Hours by one of their teachers, especially if the student is struggling in a particular class. All students will have Open Campus during Office Hours with Off-Campus privileges being earned for some (see below) that are supported with parent permission. Students may only eat in designated lunch areas while on-campus. All students will be assigned a designated Lunch time and space to eat.

The Concept of Earned Privileges Off-Campus permission is an privilege all students can earn through good effort and positive performance in a variety of realms. Students who qualify for Off-Campus Privileges have the opportunity to leave campus during non-instructional periods, which includes Study Hall, Lunch/Office Hours, and FlexBlock (after September 7th). Off-Campus Privileges does not give permission to leave during instructional periods or Advisory.  For the 2021-2022 school year, all Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors had the opportunity to apply for Off-Campus Privileges. In order for a student to receive Off-Campus Privileges, the student must receive parental permission and meet the necessary academic and disciplinary requirements, which are outlined in the Off-Campus Information Document.  Freshman students will be eligible to earn Off-Campus Privileges after the completion of 1st quarter with parental permission and if all academic and disciplinary requirements are met at the end of 1st Quarter. Freshman students will be notified of their eligibility for Off-Campus Privileges once 1st Quarter grades are finalized.  Yorkville High School Administration reviews each student’s academic and behavioral records to determine their eligibility. Students will be notified via email if the application is accepted or not accepted. If the application is not accepted, the email will provide information on the reason Off-Campus Privileges were denied and steps to be considered for Off-Campus Privileges at a later time.   Students who have Off-Campus Privileges must follow the required exit and reentry process that will be shared with our students the first day of school. Receiving Off-Campus is a privilege, and students are expected to maintain academic and disciplinary requirements to maintain this privilege. Off-Campus Privileges can be removed at any time at the discretion of their Dean of Students for academic, behavioral, or attendance issues. All eligible students in grades 10-12 will be allowed to utilize Off-Campus Privileges on the first day of school, with the exception being during FlexBlock (after September 7th).

YHS 21-22 Modified Block Schedule Yorkville High School has designed a Flexible Modified A/B/C Block Schedule that affords the opportunity to deliver learning experiences in both longer (90 minutes) and shorter (48 minutes) blocks of instructional time. The schedule recaptures 97% of the instructional time of the 2019-20 daily bell schedule with the added benefits of 60 minutes of weekly Advisory and 110 minutes of weekly student FlexBlock aimed to reconnect students to adult advocates and peers, rebuild school culture and pride, and provide opportunities for support and/or pursuits of interests. The schedule maintains seven instructional periods meaning that students can still take up to seven different instructional courses each semester. Students may pursue up to eight courses if they selected a Period 0 option (early bird). As a means to optimize instructional time,   On A Days - students will have three (3) 90 minute instructional periods, one (1) 90 minute Advisory (30 minutes)/Flex Block (55 minutes) period, and a 50 minute Lunch (25 minutes)/Office Hour (25 minutes) period.  On B Days - students will have four (4) 90 minute instructional periods and a 50 minute Lunch (25 minutes)/Office Hour (25 minutes) period. On C Days - students will attend all seven (7) 48 minute instructional periods. There is no Advisory or FLEX Block (period 3) on B or C Days The new schedule still retains our popular zero (0) period that will meet every student attendance day from 6:30 a.m. - 7:20 a.m. Pasted below are examples of "A", "B", and "C" day schedules for your understanding

A - Days

B - Days

C - Days

For our new YHS families, I will preview a weekly/monthly daily schedule at a glance each Friday in my weekly community update for your use. During the first two days of school, we plan to conduct an all-school review each period to go over expectations and processes of the various facets of our new schedule with our students. Our plan is to "zoom" into all classrooms across both campuses to provide a common message and understanding for all.  Thursday, August 26 (A-Day) Period 1 - (Advisory - Why, How, What, and Expectations; Office Hours/Lunch - when do I eat lunch)  Period 3 Advisory/FLEX Block - (FLEX Block - Why, How, What, and Expectations) *we will use the first five minutes of Advisory to distribute Student IDs - followed by 30 minutes of Advisory Period 5c - (Dean's Meeting - Earned Privileges, Student Expectations) Period 7 - Whole School Mindfulness Activity Friday, August 27 (B-Day) Period 2 - Getting Connected - Why, How, What, and Expectations Period 4 - Student Support - Office Hours, DEN Testing/Tutoring Centers - Why, How, What, and Expectations  Period 6c - Principal's Address Period 8 - Whole School Mindfulness Activity This will allow us to roll out our expectations and procedures in a digestible manner while still providing the opportunity (75 minutes/period) for our teachers to start building positive relationships with your students.

Monthly Calendar - August - September Provided for our families is a month at a glance summary. A Days are highlighted in "Red" - August 26, 30; September 2, 7, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, & 30 B Days are highlighted in "Gray" - August 27, 31; September 3, 8, 10, 14, 21, 24, & 28 C Days are highlighted in "Green" - September 1, 15, 22, & 29 September 6 - Labor Day (yellow); Teacher Institute Days - August 23, 24, & 25 (blue) It is important to note that our new schedule adjusts based on the number of attendance days in a given week. For example our first 5 day week (August 30 - September 3) - Monday (A), Tuesday (B), Wednesday (C), Thursday (A), Friday (B). On a five day week, students will attend each course 3 out of the 5 days (228 minutes). For example our first 4 day week (September 7 - September 10) - Tuesday (A), Wednesday (B), Thursday (A), Friday (B). On a four day week, we drop the C day, students will attend each course 2 out of the 4 days (180 minutes).

The Purpose of Advisory Noted director and producer Steven Spielberg noted, "the delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves". As a major aspect of our new schedule, all students will be assigned to a twice weekly advisory (30 minutes) that will focus on rebuilding school culture and climate. Additional goals of our student advisory will be to reconnect students to peers, to adults, and to Yorkville High School, as well as supporting the whole-child’s social emotional health and well-being. Each advisory block will have two adult mentors assigned to a group of approximately 26-28 students that will meet on A Days. Periodically, the advisory time will be allocated to deliver developmental guidance activities and to develop executive functioning skills. We want every student to feel connected, supported, valued, and proud to be a Yorkville Fox!

The Purpose of FlexBlock "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." – Mark Twain A primary function of high school is to help our students discover their interests, passions, and purpose. We are excited by the prospect to reach that end through FlexBlock. Each full week, students will have two dedicated FlexBlocks (55 minutes). The FlexBlock serves as an opportunity for students to engage in activities, service based opportunities, pursue personal enrichment or interest, or seek help or assistance. FlexBlock will operate as an open campus experience based on a system of earned privilege. Staff not engaged in weekly collaboration will be available to support targeted interventions, provide academic assistance, and/or deliver case management support during the FlexBlock. Students will also have access to DEN Tutoring/Testing Centers, Open Labs (STEM, Art, Science, Food, Wellness Center), and Enrichment/Interest (for example, performance rehearsals) Activities. Due to the importance of reconnecting all students to school, time for school sponsored Clubs/Activities will be allocated on a monthly rotating schedule. Though our students may earn off-campus privileges during FlexBlock, all students will be expected to engage in at least two FlexBlock opportunities per month. As Twain stated above, our hope is that students use this time to explore, dream, and discover!

Athletics Update

Congratulations to the girls golf team who defeated Sandwich on August 16th by a score 198-234. Mia Natividad led the way with a 37! The girls golf team had a hard fought loss at Minooka on August 19th, 185-181. Natividad was the medalist with a score of 36! Laine Leonard added a 44, Madeline Battaglia a 48 and Grace Taylor a 57.

Congratulations to the varsity boys golf team on finishing 5th out of 15 teams at the Panther Stapleford on August 12th. Ryan Waugh led the way with a second place finish! Evan Stibiak, Justin Goebel, and Mikey Bass rounded out the team scoring. The Foxes also competed at the Plainfield North Invite on August 16th where Ryan Waugh shot an incredible three under par round of 69 to take 2nd place. Evan Stribiak contributed a 79, Justin Goebel an 83 and Nick DiVito a 100. Great job, Foxes!

Boys soccer and girls volleyball started their season with their annual red/white scrimmage and girls tennis had their season opener against Kaneland on August 19th. The annual football red/white scrimmage is Friday, August 20th. All spectators attending will need to complete the health self-certification survey  and show the green check mark to athletic department staff upon entry. Come out and support the boys and girls cross country team as they start the season at our home YHS Invite on Monday, August 23. The meet will be held in the athletic fields behind YHS, starting at 5:30pm. Good luck, runners!

Hey Freshmen... Don’t forget!  We are hosting our annual Freshmen Transition Experience (for students only) on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at our freshmen campus (YHSA). All incoming freshmen are expected to attend this event, which allows students to familiarize themselves with the high school and find out what it takes to be successful as a high school freshman. Please note that as we get closer to the date we will share specific information and expectations for the event. Unfortunately, we don’t provide bus service so families must provide their own transportation. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mike Guzaldo at mguzaldo@y115.org.  Don’t miss it!

Hey Upperclassmen...we didn't forget about you... The YHS main campus will be open on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on to give our upperclassmen the opportunity to find their lockers, walk their schedules, meet their teachers, and check out the building.   We hope this helps!

Chromebooks The Tech Department will be handing out Chromebooks to new students and making exchanges at YHS & YHSA on Tuesday, 8/24 from 1pm-3pm. All other Chromebook issues/requests need to be emailed to studentsupport@y115.org.

Student Parking Permit Pick Up

Hello students and parents, welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Yorkville High School! We are excited to have everyone back at campus and looking forward to another wonderful year. Your parking pass pick up date is Monday, August 23rd from 9:00am – 2pm in the Athletic Lobby. Your spaces have already been assigned, there is no rush to be the first in line. A few reminders about parking this year: Please do not park on school property unless you have filled out and applied for a parking spot AND received your parking tag. If you arrive to school and someone has parked in your spot, please inform the dean’s office immediately. Please make sure your insurance is up to date throughout the year. Finally, please follow safe driving guidelines; do not speed in the lot, do not pass other drivers and look for students crossing the lot at all times. We understand the lot can be busy and hectic at times, your patience in this process is much appreciated. Parking is a privilege and can be taken away if rules are not followed. Thank you and see you all soon! Mr. Fornell, Mr. Fromm, and Mr. Guzaldo Yorkville High School Deans

Key Important Dates for Release of Information As a means to ready our families for the start of the school year, listed below are some tentative dates that we will release the following information: 21-22 Student Schedules are now available to view on the Home Access Center. Bus Route Information is now posted on the Home Access Center. Parking Permit pick-up in the YHS Sports Lobby on August 23 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Freshman Physical & Dental Requirements As a reminder, all students entering 9th grade are required to have a physical exam on the Certificate of Child Health Exam form, and updated immunizations on file by October 1st, 2021 to avoid being excluded from school.  Appointment dates will not be accepted.  Additionally all 9th grade students are required to receive a dental examination by May 15, 2022. Here is the proof of dental examination form that must be submitted.  If you have any questions please contact the Building Nurse at Yorkville High School Academy, Arlene Anderson, at 630.553.4385 ext. 4925.  Don’t delay, do it today!

Senior Vaccine Requirements As a reminder, all seniors must show proof of having had the meningitis vaccine for school attendance this year.  Seniors must have at least 1 does of the meningitis vaccine after their 16th birthday.  Additionally, as you were notified previously, proof of having the vaccine is required in order for students to complete the registration process. If your student has already had this vaccine and you have not yet turned in proof, please  contact Jamie Anderson (alphabet A-Kt) at jaanderson@y115.org or Caitlyn Jess (alphabet Ku-Z) at cjess@y115.org.  If your student has not had this vaccine yet, please do so ASAP— don’t delay, do it today!

Hey Parents, PRE-ORDER your 2022 YHS yearbook now!  Pre-orders are available from August 2, 2021 until May 1, 2022, and books cost $65. Guarantee a book for your student by placing your order early! You can pre-order in one of TWO ways this year:  Visit www.yearbookforever.com and search for "Yorkville" -- we are listed as Yorkville Community High School. Here, you can place an order for a book and other add-ons, including personalization of your book with a Namestamp or iTag. This site also allows you to purchase a senior ad. Visit the Y115 payment portal to order your yearbook. Use the link here, and make all of your Y115 payments at once! No personalization or senior ads will be sold through the Y115 payment portal -- this is for books ONLY.

SENIOR parents Are you interested in commemorating your student in a unique way this year? Consider purchasing a senior ad! Senior ads allow you to select a 1/8 or 1/4 page slot in the yearbook and feature your own photos and message to your senior. Please check out this four minute video to learn more about senior ads! Senior ads are available for purchase until March 1, 2022. Reach out to Mrs. Calder at kcalder@y115.org for more info.

Did you order a 2020-2021 yearbook? Books will ship in mid-September and be available for student pick-up at Yorkville High School. 2021 graduates may pick up their books from the main office once books arrive. Please have your student listen to announcements and watch for fliers with info about yearbook distribution. A limited number of books will be available for purchase with cash or check if you missed out on a pre-order.

Student Services District Referral Form Have an academic or social emotional concern regarding one of your students in K-12, please complete this form. The form will be routed to your student's building and a student services team member will follow. Please view this tutorial on how to complete the form.

Schedule Change Process Counselors will welcome schedule changes if there is an error on your student’s schedule. Please come to the Guidance Office to work through the schedule change process.    If you are requesting a change, please report to the class on your schedule and the teacher of record will guide you to your counselor, if necessary. To change or drop a class, students will need parent/guardian permission to complete a Course Withdrawal Request Form. This form is available ONLY in the Guidance Office.   Once all signatures have been acquired, the student’s schedule will reflect the change of courses. First three school days of a semester (8-26 thru 8/30): If a student is requesting to drop a class they need to consult with their parent and counselor to complete a “Course Withdrawal Request Form”.  Days 4 through 10 of a semester (8/31 thru 9/9): The student and teacher need to work collaboratively with the respective Department Chair to complete the Course Withdrawal Request Form. The Department Chair will work with Mrs. Jeannine Pacetti, Guidance Department Chair and Megan Martinez, Associate Principal of Student Services to adjust schedule if needed. Your counselor will inform the teacher, student and family of the decision.  After ten days in the semester (9/10 and beyond): A withdrawal from class will result in a WF on the student’s transcript. A conference will occur during this process beyond a student acquiring the appropriate signatures on the Course Withdrawal Request Form.

College Application Night - September 9th (in-person or ZOOM) HEY SENIORS & SENIOR PARENTS - SAVE THE DATE!   The YHS Guidance team is hosting COLLEGE APPLICATION NIGHT on September 9th at 6:30 p.m. Families can choose to participate in-person or via ZOOM. The in-person presentation will be hosted in the YHS library. All attendees will be required to complete a health certification process.  This evening is tailored to our senior families, but all are welcome to come. Parents and students will be given a guided tour through the college application and admission process along with providing answers to the most commonly asked questions (and those that aren't so common!) regarding the application process.  Click here for the ZOOM link.  We hope to connect with you!

Financial Aid Night - September 22nd (in-person or ZOOM) Hey Seniors! Please plan to attend YHS’s Financial Aid Night Presentation with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission on September 22nd at 6:00 P.M. Families can choose to participate in-person or via ZOOM. The in-person presentation will be hosted in the YHS library. All attendees will be required to complete a health certification process. If you need to learn more about paying for your son or daughter's post-secondary education. This presentation will be conducted in English and in Spanish. Topics covered will include: FAFSA: What is it and why is it important? Financial Aid Timeline: When can I apply? When will I be notified Scholarships: Where do I begin? Grants: How do I qualify? Loans: How do they work? Cost of attendance: Direct vs. Indirect Costs  Click here for the ZOOM link. We hope to connect with you!

PSAT/NMSQT Test: Wednesday, October 13th The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is co-sponsored by the College Board & NMSQT Corporation. This is an optional test that provides practice for the Spring SAT (in which all Juniors will participate) and a chance to enter a scholarship competition. By participating, you will be provided with an actual test-day experience plus access to college and career preparation tools. Students must be a Junior to qualify as a National Merit Scholar. All Juniors are encouraged to test. Please submit this PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form by September 11th to the Guidance Office.  Cost is $17, payable by checks only.  See registration form or see the Guidance Office for more details. Don’t delay, sign up today!

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: August 28, 2021 October 2, 2021 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: September 11, 2021 October 23, 2021 December 11, 2021 *Go to www.act.org for test day registration information  Good Luck!