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 1,359 individual conferences already scheduled -- great job!
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
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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.)
The daily bell schedule for the week of November 15th is listed below:
- Monday, November 15th - A Day
- Tuesday, November 16th - B Day
- Wednesday, November 17th - C Day
- Thursday, November 18th - A Day
- Friday, November 19th - B Day
Included in this update:
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Monthly Calendar - November - December - updated item
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YHS Fall Play Jack Revolver, Freelance Secret Agent - November 5 & 6 - old item
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YHS Athletics Update - new item
- Celebrating our Veterans - new item
- Band Concert - November 10th - new item
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Seniors - last chance for Yearbook Photos - new item
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Parent Teacher Conferences - don't delay, register today - updated item
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Spotlight on Learning - Science - new item
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This week in Advisory...- new item
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Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week - new item
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Dean's Safety & Security Update - new item
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Program Spotlight - Advanced Placement - new item
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PSAT/SAT Informational Update - new item
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Map My Next Move - College & Career Center - updated item
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Hey Seniors - FAFSA available - updated item
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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
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Monthly Calendar - November -December |
Provided for our families is a month at a glance summary.
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A Days are highlighted in "Red" - November 8, 15, 18, 22, 29; December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16
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B Days are highlighted in "Gray" - November 9, 16, 19, 23, 30; December 3, 7, 10, 14, 17
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C Days are highlighted in "Green" - November 10, 11, 17; December 1, 8, 15
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November 11 & 12 (Parent Teacher Conferences), November 24, 25, 26 (Thanksgiving Break); December - 20 -31, January 1-2 - Holiday Break
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FALL PLAY starts TONIGHT - November 5th |
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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.
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Congratulations to the varsity football team on defeating Plainfield Central 26-22 in the first round of the IHSA playoffs. Senior QB Nate Kraus ran for two touchdowns in Friday’s win and led the Foxes down the field in the final three minutes of the game to a game winning score. The defense again played tough, highlighted by an interception and touchdown return by junior Andrew Laurich. The Foxes host Brother Rice on Saturday, November 6 at 4pm in the second round of the Playoffs. Tickets are $6.00 and will be available for purchase at the gate (cash or check only). All spectators entering the stadium will need to complete the health self-certification survey linked and show the green check mark (screen shot is recommended) to athletic department staff upon entry.
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Congratulations to the girls cross country team on placing 2nd at IHSA Sectionals on Saturday, October 30, 2021! A big congratulations to Senior, Anna Hunter, on winning the individual sectional championship with a time of 18:26.0! Senior Margaret Hunter placed 8th, Makenna Edwards 12th, Ava Galloway 19th, and Katie Melzer 20th! The second place finish earns the team a trip to Detweiler Park to compete in the IHSA State Finals this Saturday, November 6th. |
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Congratulations to the Varsity boys team on competing in the IHSA sectional at Quincy on Saturday, October 30th. The boys season came to an end with an 8th place finish. A big congratulations goes out to senior Nate Summers, qualifying for state as an individual. Good luck to Nate as he competes this Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria! |
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Congratulations to the girls volleyball team on an outstanding season. The Foxes season came to an end at the Sectional Semi-Final against #1 seed Metea Valley. The Foxes finished the season with a 31-6 overall record, were Southwest Prairie Conference Champions, and IHSA Class 4A Regional Champions! |
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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 started 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!
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Since 1983 Veterans Day has been set aside to thank and honor living veterans who have served honorably in the military - in wartime and times of peace. On November 10th the YHS Social Studies Department has invited six different Veterans to come speak to the students and staff. These Veterans represent various branches of the armed forces and will share their experiences both in and out of active duty. Many of these Veterans have ties to Yorkville including former students, teachers and community members. We are honored to hear about their experiences, but more importantly fortune to have the opportunity to recognize their service to the country. |
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Band Concert - Wednesday, November 10th |
Band Concert - Wednesday, Nov. 10th
featuring the YHS Wind Ensemble with guest trumpet soloist, Christopher O'Hara and the YMS 8th Grade Band at the Yorkville Middle School Gymnasium at 7:00 PM!
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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:
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Open the link https://yorkville.ptcwizard.com/parent and click on Create Account! button (see example).
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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).
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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.)
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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.
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Do you need an interpreter to assist with your conference? Please complete this form to make the request!
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Spotlight on Learning - Science |
Did you know that students need 2 credits (2 full years) of science to graduate?
Our science department offers several Advanced Placement opportunities for our juniors and seniors. Recently, students in AP Biology conducted an experiment using algae beads to study photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and the AP Chemistry students recently concluded their chromatography experiments to learn about the separation of mixtures. YHS AP Environmental Science students built their Terra Aqua Columns (TACs) and are making weekly observations to see how their tiny ecosystem changes over time.
The students in AP Physics classes recently began their investigation into forces and are currently examining balanced net forces and force diagrams. In our Dual Credit course, Astronomy 100, students completed their exploration of the solar system, planets, and visitors to the
solar system.
We are excited about the learning experiences offered to our Foxes in our AP science courses.
If you have any questions about the Science Department or it’s course offerings, please contact us! Department Chair, Ms. Julie Renda at jrenda@y115.org, or your student’s guidance counselor.
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This past week, students had the opportunity to provide YHS staff with feedback on their experience within Advisory. Students shared their perspective through a schoolwide survey and classroom discussion on what topics were most beneficial to them, the topics they would like to see included in the future and what aspects of Advisory they would like to see adjusted. YHS staff and administration will use the feedback gathered from students to help plan future Advisory topics and lessons.
Also, students were introduced to the "Passion Project", which will be the primary focus in Advisory for Quarter 2. The purpose of this project is to help students identify how they can align their personal characteristics, qualities, interests and passions with future aspirations and post secondary plans.
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 8th and November 11th: Students will begin to work on their "Passion Project" during both Advisory sessions. Students will define "personal passion" and begin brainstorming ideas of what they would consider a passion. Students will work on their "Personal Passion" PowerPoint slide and share with their partner for feedback.
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Digital Citizenship Tip of the Week |
Parents, the attached Fact sheet identifies and compares how teens use their smartphones. This might be useful as a comparison tool to see how your students' habits stack up against their peers.
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As 2nd quarter has begun, please remember that Off Campus Privileges can still be earned this quarter by having and maintaining grades at a 70% or above. Please have your student see their dean if they have any questions. Also, as late fall and winter approaches, please remind students to take extra precaution with driving, weather, and giving themselves enough time to get to school in the morning. |
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Program Spotlight - Advanced Placement Program |
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Did you know? - this year we have 584 Yorkville High School students in grades 9-12 participating in at least 1 of our 22 Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered. We encourage all of our students to consider at least 1 AP course during their high school experience. Taking AP classes can help students:
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Build skills and confidence. AP students learn essential time management and study skills needed for college and career success. They dig deeper into subjects that interest them and learn to tap their creativity and their problem-solving skills to address course challenges.
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Get into college. Students who take AP courses send a signal to colleges that they’re serious about their education and that they’re willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework. 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.
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Succeed in college. Research shows that students who receive a score of 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers.
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Save time and money in college. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time which means they avoid paying for, for example, a fifth year of tuition. Most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. This can mean: Fulfilling graduation requirements early, being able to skip introductory courses or required general-education courses.
For more information: Connect with your student’s teachers & counselor during this year's course selection process. Course selection for the 2022-2023 school year will be promoted shortly. This year we are pleased to offer evening Parent Universities to include information on AP courses, webinars on advanced coursework & College Board testing & individualized course planning appointments. We looked forward to supporting all of our students to achieve success!
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PSAT/SAT Informational Update |
Parents of 9th, 10th, 11th grade students:
Students took a practice SAT on September 15th and received their scores in Advisory on October 18th. Advisory teachers provided students information about their practice SAT scores and how to increase their scores in the future. Additionally, students were provided with strategies for SAT practice through Khan Academy. Khan Academy, a free website, offers full-length practice SAT tests. Students can watch videos showing step-by-step solutions to problems they missed or found challenging.
Please look for future direct communication to families regarding your students’ scores in relation to the College Board Suite of Assessment benchmarks. Future communication will also include information about our SAT Prep Program that is offered at YHS.
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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, November 4th , the Map My Next Move survey completion rate is as follows:
Class of 2022 (Seniors): 418/512; 82% completion rate
Class of 2023 (Juniors): 355/496: 72% completion rate
Class of 2024 (Sophomores): 465/517; 90% completion rate
Class of 2025 (Freshmen): 479/536; 89% completion rate
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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!
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 31, 145 families have completed the FAFSA graduation requirement!
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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
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!
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