Thursday, April 30, 2015

WAX MUSEUM Coming to York Middle School

On the evening of Tuesday, May 5th, YMS 6th graders will present their Wax Museum skits to the public from 6:30-7:00 in the YMS gym commons and hallways. The money raised at this event will be donated to a local charity. Over $800 was raised for York Pride Pack last year and an anonymous donor matched that number. We do have an anonymous donor who will again match the funds donated by the public.

These students have been working hard to research famous people to portray in the Wax Museum. You will see all kinds of famous people in a way you've NEVER seen them before. Come up on May 5th and learn about famous scientists, musicians, athletes, historical figures, and more.

This activity is just another example of all of the outstanding learning opportunities available to York Duke students throughout our PreK-12th grade programming. GO DUKES!

Friday, April 24, 2015

"Find a Way"

As we prepare for 2015-16, we are implementing a district-wide theme called "FIND A WAY." We all love people/organizations/teams that have the ability to find a way to get things done. On August 10th, when our staff returns to kick off the new school year, they will all receive a York Duke T-shirt that says, "FIND A WAY." We all love mechanics, dentists, farmers, construction workers, nurses, and others that "find a way" to make things happen. We all benefit from a mentality where "no excuses" are accepted.

Our town, school system, state, and country need more of a "Find a Way" mentality. Failure is not an option. We're going to find a way to get better. We're going to find a way to provide more opportunities for students. We're going to find a way to enhance our curriculum and students' experiences. We're going to find a way to be the best.

York Dukes WILL find a way!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Ball Field Complex Coming to York

Come get an update on the new ball field complex that is coming to York and will be just southeast of the aquatic center. This 8-field complex will be tailored for baseball and softball. This is one of the major projects that was approved by voters during the November election when the 1/2% sales tax was passed.

Design is underway. This is your opportunity to see the design, ask questions, and voice concerns before construction starts in JUNE!!

York Ballpark Complex Open House
Thursday, April 23rd
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Holthus Convention Center, Main Lobby

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

30 Days of School Left - The Mad Dash

I simply can't believe that we only have 30 days of school left! It goes by quicker and quicker each year. This has been another outstanding school year but not without its heartaches and adversities. We will celebrate a lot over these next 30 days....the Fine Arts Banquet, the All-Sports Banquet, 5th Grade Recognition, Kindergarten Graduation, YHS Musical, Almost Anything Goes Day at YMS, Prom, and of course, the YHS Graduation on May 17th.

As we make the mad dash down the home stretch of 2014-15, let's finish with a sense of purpose; let's finish with a sense of pride. Thirty days of school equates to 17% of our school year. That's a lot of time. We can't waste it. We don't want our dentists, doctors, mechanics, and farmers to take it easy for 17% of their various missions/projects.

The Class of 2015 is another class to celebrate and appreciate. The classes behind them will be as well. Let's make this last 17% of the year the best part of this school year.

GO DUKES!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Autism Awareness and Acceptance

April is "Autism Awareness Month." Below is some information taken from the "Autism Science Foundation." YPS is proud to work with our autistic students and their families.

What is Autism?

When people refer to “Autism” today, they are usually talking about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which are five complex, brain-based disorders that affect a person’s behavior as well as social and communication skills. The Centers for Disease Control describes ASDs as: "developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life."

Autism is four times more likely to affect boys than girls, and is found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. There is no known single cause for autism, although the best available science points to important genetic components. Through twin studies, scientists have determined that autism is a genetically based condition. If one identical (monozygotic) twin has autism then there is an 80-90% chance that the other twin will also be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. For non-identical (dizygotic) twins the chance is about 3-10% that both twins will develop autism spectrum disorder. The chance that siblings will both be affected by ASD is also about 3-10%.

Scientists are unsure what, if any, environmental triggers may be involved in autism. One theory, popular in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, that vaccines cause autism, has since been disproven by numerous studies conducted around the world.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication skills, as well as by the presence of extremely challenging behaviors. Such behaviors include repetitive motor behaviors (hand flapping, body rocking), insistence on sameness, resistance to change and, in some cases, aggression or self-injury. Many individuals with an autism spectrum disorder have significant cognitive impairments, although some have typical or even above average IQs. 30-50% of people with autism also have seizures.

Dr. Leo Kanner first described autism in 1943. He reported on eleven children who showed a marked lack of interest in other people, but a highly unusual interest in the inanimate environment. Initially, autism was thought to be an early form of schizophrenia, which led to the belief that its onset could be caused by negative experience or bad parenting. We now know that this is not the case.

We encourage all of our students and parents to learn more about autism and to most of all, be accepting of those with autism.