I hope this update finds you well.

My appreciation to our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students for their excellent effort taking the practice SAT suite of assessment administration this past week. We only missed a little over 100 students for the day! We plan to share results with our students and families in the next few weeks. Great job to all!

Congrats and good luck to our winter athletic and co-curricular programs as they enter their end of season competitions!

Have a great day, and thank you for a fantastic week of learning at Yorkville High School. Enjoy the weekend, FOXES!

The daily bell schedule for the week of February 14th is listed below:
  • Monday, February 14th - A Day
  • Tuesday, February 15th - B Day
  • Wednesday, February 16th - C Day
  • Thursday, February 17th - A Day
  • Friday, February 18th - B Day

The daily bell schedule for the week of February 21st is listed below:
  • Monday, February 21st - President's Day - No School
  • Tuesday, February 22nd - A Day
  • Wednesday, February 23rd - B Day
  • Thursday, February 24th - A Day
  • Friday, February 25th - B Day

Included in this update:
  • February is Black History Month - old item
  • Monthly Calendar - February - updated item
  • Congratulations - 1st Semester High/Honor Roll - new item
  • Just ONE! Student Recognition - new item
  • YHS Athletics Update - new items
  • YHS Activities Update - new items
  • Class of 2022 - Graduation Information - new item
  • ACCESS testing - February 16th - old item
  • Spotlight on Learning - Health Education - new item
  • This week in Advisory...- new item
  • Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week - new item
  • Dean's Update - new item
  • 5 Essentials Parent Survey Reminder - new item
  • Foster our Future Awards - Nominate a Worthy Fox - new item
  • Map My Next Move - College & Career Center - updated item
  • Hey Seniors - FAFSA available - updated 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
February is Black History Month!
Tuesday, February 1st marked the start of the national celebration of Black History Month. Throughout the month at YHS, we will highlight different historical figures, songs, and significant contributions of Black Americans. This information will be shared through daily announcements and running presentation in the Learning Stairs.
Monthly Calendar - February
Provided for our families is a month at a glance summary.
  • A Days are highlighted in "Red" - February 7, 10, 14, 17, 22, 24, 28
  • B Days are highlighted in "Gray" - February 8, 11, 15, 18, 23, 25
  • C Days are highlighted in "Green" - February 9, 16
  • February 21 - President's Day
Congratulations to the 560 Foxes who earned 2nd semester
High Honor Roll!
*High Honor Roll students averaged a 3.85 or higher
Freshmen High Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 162 Freshmen who earned High Honor Roll distinction for their 2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Sophomore High Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 138 Sophomores who earned High Honor Roll distinction for their 2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Junior High Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 132 Juniors who
earned High Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Senior High Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 128 Seniors who
earned High Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Congratulations to the 302 Foxes who earned 2nd semester
Honor Roll!
*Honor Roll students averaged a 3.5 - 3.84
Freshmen Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 62 Freshmen who
earned Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Sophomore Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 54 Sophomores who earned Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here  to see names)
Junior Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 62 Juniors who
earned Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click here to see names)
Senior Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 124 Seniors who
earned Honor Roll distinction for their
2nd semester academic performance!
(Click  here  to see names)
Just One
Each quarter, Yorkville High School staff members have the opportunity to nominate "JUST ONE" student they feel deserves recognition for a job well done! I would like to extend my congratulations to the 76 students who were nominated by a staff member for their efforts this past quarter.

Hannah Adam, Lucy Anderson, Kendrick Bakel, Kennedi Baker, Eileen Baltes, Juan Barazza, Cameron Battiste, Derek Becker, Logan Branning, Jenna Buss, Madeline Carter, Addison Carter, Courtney Castilla, Jenna Childress, McKayla Conley, Kai Cully, Caitlin Daily, Karson Davey, Bekah DeFranisco, Elizabeth Doucette, Jasmine Doyle, Ravyn Flint, Joseph Forseth, Mark Gaines-Reed, Natalie Garcia, Aiden Griffin, Nayeli Gutierrez, Alexandra Hernandez, Tavoress Hines, Hunter Holler, Aevery Jansen, Everett Joyce, Hannah Karvosky, Hayden Kirkby, Sonia Kucharik, Karter Landrum, Kaitlyn Lay, LeBaron Lee, Deajeion Lewis, Aniyah Liner, Gladys Lopez, Joel Lopez, Mason Madej, Elliana Maher, Emily Maldonado, Sidney McCoy, Peyton Mongiovi, Jaylin Moore, Camryn Morse, Jazmine Neely, Cynthia Newson, Jackson Novak, Aiden O'Beirne, Anthony Ornelas, Camilla Perez, Gavin Peters, Tyler Plank, Ariel Pomierski, Serena Quezada, Madi Reeves, Lorenzo Rios, Sofia Rojas, Criselle Ruiz, Samuel Schroeder, Olivia Scott, Lexi Shalitis Rice, Ben Smart, Lily Smogor, Ella Sommers, Brooke Spychalski, Ma'leah Taylor, Rhylee Thomas, Winnie Thomas, Dominic Vashkelis-Benson, Kendyll Ward, Skylar Zink
Athletics Update
National Letter of Intent Signing Day
Congratulations to the following student-athletes on committing to participate in sports in college! 
Ryan Waugh, Aurora University, Golf
Ryan Buck, Southwestern Community College, Baseball
Brody Ferko, Baseball, Carroll University
Cadence Ala, St. Francis University, Bowling 
Brayden Kurowski, Lakeland University, Football
DeTorrion Temple, Quincy University, Football
Girls Basketball Celebrates Senior Night!
The girls basketball program celebrated senior night on February 3rd against Oswego East High School. Congratulations to seniors, Rylie Sewell and Kenzie Phillips, as they were honored before the game for all of their contributions to the girls basketball program. In addition to celebrating the seniors the Lady Foxes took home a victory, 50-45, over Oswego East. The girls basketball team begins the IHSA Regional on Tuesday, February 15th 6pm at Plainfield North High School!
Wrestling Captures the IHSA Class 3A Regional Championship
Congratulations to the varsity wrestling team on capturing the Class 3A Regional championship on Saturday, February 5th. The Foxes qualified 12 for the 3A Individual Sectional at Granite City High School. Sebastian Westphal and Brody Williams each placed 3rd, Raymond Cavey, Dominick Coronado, Nick Sinopoli, Colten Stevens, and Justin Wiesbrook each placed 2nd, and Jack Ferguson, Dominic Recchia, Luke Zook, Hunter Janeczko, and Ben Alvarez each took home regional titles!

The dual team sectional will take place on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at St. Laurence High School against Lockport. Good luck, Foxes!
Spring Sports Registration is Open
Registration is open for students interested in participating in a spring sport! Students interested in playing baseball, softball, boys tennis, girls soccer or track and field must complete online registration on the Athletic website and have an updated physical on file with the athletic department. Contact Eva Schoenfielder at eschoenfielder@y115.org with any registration questions.
Activities Update
National Honor Society is hosting their second annual YHS Kindness Week 2/14-2/18. Students can participate by dressing for spirit week and engaging in the daily kindness activities.
Help us spread kindness around our community!
CLASS OF 2022 - IMPORTANT!
Attention Senior Parents - Please order your graduate's Cap & Gown today!
All orders need to be placed with Herff Jones no later than February 15th or they cannot be guaranteed for delivery by graduation!
You can call them directly at 815-756-4743 or go to HerffJonesIL.com.
ACCESS testing - February 16th
The annual state mandated ACCESS testing for EL students will take place on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. All EL students will report to the library by 7:25 with their Chromebooks and chargers.. Once the test is complete, they will return to class. Because this is a state requirement, any student absent will be rescheduled for a later date in February. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s case manager or Tara Olsen at tolsen@y115.org.
Spotlight on Learning - Health
If you currently have a freshman at YHS, they either took Health first semester, or are currently enrolled in the class. Health class is a semester-long course required by the state of Illinois, and a passing grade is required for graduation. Important topics covered in the class include healthy decision making skills, personal wellness, and personal safety.

Students research information for a presentation on prescription and illegal drugs. This student directed learning is something we find that they take an interest in learning about and use new technology and applications. Students present their research through an “Ignite” presentation style which includes images only. If you have any questions about the Health course, please contact Mr. John Ernser- PE, Health and Driver Ed Department Chair @jernser@y115.org
This Week in Advisory
This past week, students had the opportunity to share their perspective on the new schedule at Yorkville High School by completing a school wide survey. This information will be used by YHS stakeholders to consider adjustments for the 2022-2023 school year. Also, students participated in "Talk Circles", where they had the opportunity to build relationships with peers by responding to questions that focused on fun topics or personal interests. 

Listed below are the lesson topics for the upcoming week in your student's advisory class:

Monday, February 7th: Students will be participating in icebreaker activities to get to know their new advisory class. Many students will be changing Advisory sections for 2nd semester, so this will serve as an opportunity for students to build relationships with their new classmates and teacher. 

Thursday, February 10: All students will be participating in a Virtual Career fair that focuses on careers within Law Enforcement, while grades 9-11 will receive their practice scores from the PSAT testing. 
Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week
Parents, attached is an article outlining how our children's digital footprint can have real life implications that affect privacy and reputation. It offers some solutions and steps to consider when addressing your students' use of different digital mediums. 

Dean's Safety Update
Parents and guardians,
We have started to issue Off Campus Privileges for the 3rd quarter. Students who earned C's or better in all semester 1 classes, and have few discipline referrals, may be eligible. Please check with your student to make sure that you are aware of their status. If you have previously signed off on students having OCP, and would like them to remain on campus now, please make your child's dean aware. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let the dean's office know.
5Essentials Parent Survey Reminder
As a parent, you now have an opportunity to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school called the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. The 10 minute survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains.

The Parent Survey Supplement is now open and will close on March 11, 2022. We need at least 20% of our D115 parents to participate so please complete the survey today!

To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Brent Edwards at jbedwards@y115.org. Thank you so much for your participation and helping to provide key insights for improvement at your child’s school. Please find more information at Yorkville 5Essentials Parent Survey
Do you know someone who represents the best of Yorkville CUSD 115?

Nominate them for the Fostering Our Future Award!

The Yorkville 115 community has shown extraordinary grit during the past year. Yorkville 115 staff seamlessly reimagined lessons and prioritized students' social and emotional needs. Yorkville 115 community members created virtual events, organized to help families affected by the pandemic, and created connections outside of school buildings that supported the students and staff working inside them. This connection is the heartbeat of our school district- what it means to be a Yorkville Fox. Every day, this steady pulse runs through the district. The Foundation wants to share the stories of these extraordinary heroes and honor them through Fostering our Future, its district-wide awards ceremony and recognition program.

Click here (https://yef115.org/awards) to learn more & nominate that amazing teacher, community member, or volunteer! Deadline to nominate is 2/25/2022.
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, January 20, the Map My Next Move survey completion rate is as follows:
Class of 2022 (Seniors): 92% completion rate
Class of 2023 (Juniors): 84% completion rate
Class of 2024 (Sophomores): 92% completion rate
Class of 2025 (Freshmen): 94% 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, February 6, 316 families have completed the FAFSA graduation requirement!