News Archive
2006-2007 School Year
Congratulations and Good Luck Class of 2007
What a perfect day for these students and their families! The class of 2007 is off and running. In one of the most competitive years ever for college admissions, our students are heading to some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation. We are so proud of them and their accomplishments. Superintendent Ralph Napolitano has shared some personal reflections with the parents of these wonderful young people. We welcome you to read his letter.
Immunization Information for Incoming 6th Graders
There are important, new immunization guidelines parents need to know.
>> More information
Board of Education Vacancy
President Joyce McCoy resigned her position on the Board for health reasons, creating a vacancy. The Board will appoint a resident to serve the balance of her term as a Trustee (through May 2008), and welcomes applications.
>> Read more
YHS Senior Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Wins
Microbiology Prize at Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair
Her friends call her Sandy, and we'll call ourselves proud. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez was one of four talented Yorktown High School students who took part in the fair held recently in New Mexico which drew 1,512 finalists from 50 countries. Her research on the Effects of Anti-Oxidants on Lifespan using the C. Elegans model earned her a "Second Award" and a $1,500 scholarship from Intel.
>> Read more
Phase I of Building Improvement Plan Begins at Elementary Schools This Summer
Fourteen renovation projects are taking place at French Hill, Mohansic, Brookside and Crompond Elementary Schools. >> Read more for specifics
Board of Education Honors the District's Veteran and Retiring Employees
William Tovar, Elaine Bertie and Robert Faigle began their amazing teaching careers in the Yorktown Central School District with stars in their eyes and wings at their feet. Forty years later, and going strong, they were honored for their service by the Board of Education and a grateful community. The Board also honored an illustrious group of long-serving staff members and "almost" retirees.
>> Read more
Rated Excellent!
The Mildred E. Middle School 8th grade Band, Orchestra, and
Choir recently traveled to the Music in the Parks festival
in Amawalk, Massachusetts. Each group played two prepared pieces for a panel
of distinguished judges. Each earned a rating of "Excellent"! The community is invited to hear these talented young people at the MESMS Spring concerts, June 11th (Orchestra and 6th grade
Band) and June 12th (Choir and 7th and 8th grade Band) at YHS auditorium
at 6:30 PM.
YHS Wind Ensemble Wins Excellence Award at National Competition
The Yorktown 
High School Wind Ensemble, 44 of the most talented participants in the high school music program, were honored with an award for Excellence at a recent festival of more than 600 student musicians from throughout the nation. The three day Heritage Festival in Boston was more than an opportunity for an evaluation of intonation, balance, technical ability and musicianship, it was an opportunity for out students to get to know the historic city.
>> more
Your Feedback and Input Requested
Board of Education Policy 4821 Ceremonies, Holiday Displays & Observances was amended in December, 2006. The building principals reported that the updated policy
worked well in the individual schools. The Policy Committee welcomes your thoughts via E-mail to Policy@Yorktown.org.
The Policy Committee also welcomes your thoughts about the location of future commencement ceremonies beyond 2007. Currently, the high school graduation ceremony is held outdoors at Yorktown High School, or indoors at the school if the weather requires it to be moved. The E-mail address for your input is Gradloc@Yorktown.org
Public Hearing on Budget Monday, May 7
The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed 2007-2008 Budget Monday, May 7, 2007 beginning at 7:00pm in the Mildred E. Strang Middle School cafeteria. Following the hearing, the Board will hold a Special/Work Session. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
>> Agenda
Parenting is Risky Business
Why You Can't Afford to Be Clueless
This adults-only, not-to-be-missed workshop takes place on Wednesday, May 9 in the Lakeland High School Cafeteria in Shrub Oak beginning at 6:30pm. Join other area parents and community members as experts discuss in an open and frank manner what every parent needs to know about keeping our teens safe on the road, substance abuse, depression and more. This important program is co-sponsored by the Yorktown Council of PTSA.
>> Read more
YHS National Honor Society Induction May 10
In a ceremony steeped in tradition, the Yorktown High School Chapter of the National Honor Society will induct new members Thursday, May 10 beginning at 7:30pm in the school auditorium. The 21st Annual Scholar's night takes place Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00pm, also in the auditorium. Students interested in earning membership in the National Honor Society, should review the requirements.
Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center Honors Seth Altman for Outstanding Leadership
The YHS Teacher Leads Holocaust and Twentieth Century Genocide Course
Mr. Seth Altman, a social studies teacher at Yorktown High School and a member of the class of 1991, was honored with the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center for his outstanding leadership in fighting bigotry and hatred through education. Mr. Altman teaches the Holocaust and 20th Century Genocide course at YHS, which he took as a student of the late Mrs. Sheila Burg, who introduced the course more than 30 years ago.
>> Read more
4th Annual Yorktown Music Faculty Recital
This great evening of music takes place Thursday, March 22nd at 7:00pm in the Yorktown High School Auditorium. Sponsored by The First Nighters, the proceeds from the evening will be used to offer summer music camp scholarships to students.
School Lunch Survey
Parents! The Yorktown Central School District is scheduled to 
renew its food services contract. The District has retained the services of a healthy school lunch consultant, Kathleen Adamick, to lead a review of every aspect of the food service currently provided in our school cafeterias. Please take a few minutes to participate in this school lunch survey. It should take no more than 3 minutes to complete. Please note the survey will close at 5:00pm Friday, March 23, 2007.
>> Survey
Board of Education Approves 2007-2008
School Calendar
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, September 5, 2007.
>> 2007-2008 Calendar
The Transition from Middle to High School
A Special Presentation for Parents of Students With Disabilities
The Yorktown Special Education PTA and the District's Pupil Services Department invite parents of students with disabilities to an infomative presentation about the transition from middle to high school Wednesday, April 18th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Mildred E. Strang Middle School amphitheater.
Nine Varsity Teams Win NYSPHSAA Team Scholar Athlete Award
The New York State Public High School Athletics Association awarded nine winter varsity teams with its coveted Scholar-Athlete Award. The award is given to student athletes who earn a 90% grade average during their playing season.
>>Read more
NOVA Grant Application Packet for Faculty Members Available Online
NOVA (New Operations, Variations and Adaptations) is a source of grant money set up cooperatively by the Yorktown Board of Education and the Yorktown Congress of Teachers. Its purpose is to enable Yorktown educators to create new and innovative approaches to learning and teaching. The NOVA Committee is preparing to consider proposals for the 2007-2008 school year.
>> Application packet & information for educators
Spring Athletic Tryouts Underway
Student athletes should review the schedule of FIRST day, time, and location of tryouts for each Spring 2007 sport. Be sure to 1) check the website for the most current information, and 2) check the Athletic Whiteboard for confirmation of time and location for your sport.
Two YHS Students Recognized as National Merit Semifinalists
George Guo also Achieves Finalist Status
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named George Guo as a Finalist in the nationwide Merit Scholarship competition. Earlier in the school year, George and his classmate Tolly Moore were included in the very select group of students recognized as semifinalists for their exceptional academic ability.
Both George and Tolly have done outstanding work outside the classroom,
as well.
>> Please read more
YHS Jazz Band Brings Their Joy of Music to the Young & Young at Heart
The Yorktown High 
School Jazz Band, led by Emily Kluga and Jeff Whalen, went on a whirlwind tour of all four elementary schools and the Country House, a long term care residence for adults in Yorktown Heights. It was such a great day for everyone.
>> Take a look!
Spreading Kindness One Brick at a Time
Kindness is anything but 
random at Brookside Elementary School, where the entire school community built a metaphorical wall held together by thoughtfulness and good deeds.
>> Read more
Forty-Six AP Scholars at Yorktown High School
Forty-six students at Yorktown High School earned the prestigious designation of AP Scholar by the College Board, recognizing their achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement exams.
>> Read more
YHS Science Research Students Earn Recognition
Nine Yorktown High School Science Research students were recognized for their outstanding work at the regional Junior Science & Humanities Symposium held at SUNY Purchase last weekend. Three juniors closed out thirty-eight rivals from eight area schools by earning the top spots in the posterboard competition. And, six seniors earned the right to go on to compete at the State level and earn a shot at a national title for their spectacular PowerPoint presentations.
>> Read more
Around the District for the Week of February 5
A lot going on this week! Here are a few highlights:
Yorktown High School Dance Company Set to Thrill
The 130 young men and women of this sensational dance company will sweep you off your feet as they perform Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3 at Yorktown High School. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year, so get your tickets now.
>> Read more
Board of Education to Welcome New Assistant Superintendent
The Board will meet at Gaudio's Restaurant at noon Tuesday, January 30, 2007 to welcome Ms. Florence O'Connor, the District's new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Personnel. Ms. O'Connor officially begins her duties Monday, February 5th.
Staying One Click Ahead: Internet Safety
Controlling your family's online experience at home is among parentings new and bigger challenges. Please plan to join parents and teens from throughout the District at the Cyber-Safety Workshop, Wednesday, February 7 beginning at 7:30pm at the Middle School. The featured speaker is Westchester County Assistant DA Kenneth Citarella. He will present some eye-opening information and important tips. The workshop is sponsored by the Special Education PTA.
>> Read more
Dr. Napolitano Assumes Superintendency
Ms. Florence T. O'Connor Appointed Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Ralph Napolitano officially began his duties as the chief administrative officer of the Yorktown Central School District yesterday, replacing Vincent Ziccolella, who served the District as Interim Superintendent.
The appointment of Dr. Napolitano as Superintendent of Schools was an expected component of the succession plan initiated by the Board when he was hired as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum in the fall of 2006. The plan was designed to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership transition.
Ms. Florence T. O'Connor is succeeding Dr. Napolitano as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Personnel. Ms. O'Connor will join the District on February 5th. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services for the Elmsford Public Schools in Southern Westchester.
Foundation for Excellence in Yorktown Education
Dinner Dance Honors District Nurses
7:00pm - Midnight, Friday, February 9
The seven dedicated nurses of the Yorktown Central School District will be honored at the Foundation for Excellence in Yorktown Education Dinner Dance Friday, February 9th. The dinner dance is the Foundation's principal fundraising event.
>> Read more
National Honor Society Induction Wednesday, January 3
In a ceremony steeped in tradition, The Winter Induction Ceremony of the Yorktown High School National Honor Society will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the YHS Library.
Senioritis and Financial Aid: The Senior Year Clarion Call
Despite its light-hearted tone, senioritis is serious business and can be a real concern. A discussion on the topic takes place 6:30pm Thursday, January 4 at Yorktown High School. Immediately afterwards, the all important financial aid seminar takes place. Parents, take note!
>> More information
MESMS Students Cry Wolf
This gorgeous and gentle grey wolf recently visited an awestruck group of 7th graders at the Mildred E. Strang Middle School. The youngsters learned that these animals do not behave like their fairy tale image. Read more >>
ParentConnect
ParentConnect is available to Yorktown High School parents to view attendance and discipline records as well as report cards and transcripts.
>> please read more
Status of District Fields for Community Groups
If the weather or other conditions require field closures, information will be posted on the master calendar. You can access the calendar by clicking the image to the right.
Yorktown Schools Joins Communities, Districts & Universities Nationwide in Support of a Drug Free Lifestyle
Students and their 
families, teachers, staff and community members are all standing up and being counted in this week-long awareness campaign.
I.D. Please!
Visitors Be Prepared
Visitors to any Yorktown Central School District building will be asked to leave their driver's license or photo i.d. at the main office. A pass will be issued, then your i.d. will be returned to you at the end of the visit. Safety first, every day.
This is a must for college bound students and their parents. Peter Van Buskirk -- who knows more about college admissions than just about anybody -- will be at a Yorktown High School Guidance Center sponsored seminar Wednesday, November 1 from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The seminar takes place in the school's Large Group Instruction Room (LGI). We look forward to seeing you then.
Two Volunteers Needed to Serve on District Audit Committee
Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent Effective June 1, 2007
Mr. Magnani Takes Oath of Office as Board Trustee
