Bragging About York Public Schools

For this week's blog, I'm just going to brag about York Public Schools. We have many areas we need to improve in. We're always a "work in progress" but holy cow.....we've got some amazing things going on here too! This will be an incomplete list but it's a credit to the tremendous students, staff, parents, patrons, community, and board of education we have here in good ol' York, Nebraska!

The York Dukes produce some of the state’s best scores on state assessments…
--Over 87% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state reading tests
--Over 85% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state math tests
--81% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state science tests
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 140 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 125
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 137 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 119
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 147 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 111
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 126 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 105

The York Dukes began game-changing work certification programming at YHS in 2015 through partnerships with Central Valley Ag, Reinke Irrigation, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA. YHS students can now earn a work certificate from NCTA in the areas of diversified agriculture, irrigation technology, and/or chemical application. We expect to have two members of Class of 2017 earn certification and 10-12 members from the Class of 2018. Workforce preparation is a main goal of YPS!

The York Dukes began a one-of-a-kind Agronomy Academy with Centennial and Seward High Schools through business partnerships with Pioneer, Syngenta, Mycogen, and Monsanto in 2013. This hands-on learning experience takes place at Monsanto and provides numerous real-life opportunities for to learn from agronomy experts.

The York Dukes collaborated with the York Chamber of Commerce, YCDC, and local banking leaders to begin an Entrepreneurship Academy for 5th-8th graders in 2015. We now partner with Gallup to conduct the StrengthsFinder and help our student-entrepreneurs reflect on their personalities and styles.

The York Dukes continue to work hand-in-hand with the City of York on facility usage agreements where we share each other’s resources. We also collaborate on 5th Grade Fitness Fun Day each May and other “Let’s Move York” initiatives in which the City has been, and continues to be, very instrumental.

The York Dukes began grant funded after-school and summer programming in 2011 and enjoy partnerships with the City of York, 4-H Extension Office, York General, and several other private businesses and volunteers to offer programming and support for our students. This program runs until 6:00 PM daily and for six continuous weeks over the summer.

The York Dukes are able to offer YHS student internships in a variety of fields due to partnerships with Truck Center Companies, York General, and other area businesses. Collaborating with our business leaders is a big part of who we are.

The York Dukes, with the help of ESU 6, began Project SEARCH in 2012 (through a partnership with York General Healthcare Facilities) as it serves as a transitional opportunity for young adults with special needs to earn employability skills as they aspire to enter the work force.

The York Dukes host one of the premiere teacher in-service days in the state each January. We expect to have over 480 educators at YHS on January 16th with nationally recognized keynote speakers and multiple breakout sessions for all PreK-12th grade educators.

The York Dukes have added "Math Counts" and "Invention Convention" teams at YES and YMS over the past few years.

The York Dukes have added Robotics Clubs at YMS and YHS over the past few years.

The York Dukes typically earn over 925 dual credits each year with courses offered at YHS. This allows our students to save time and money as they pursue education past high school.

The York Dukes offer numerous "Career Academies" to expose our YHS students to various potential careers and work environments.

The York Dukes have the ultimate "Animal Science Lab" in our high school. Come check it out sometime. It is beyond words!

The York Dukes have also added 3-D printers to our facilities to help maximize student creativity and productivity.

The York Dukes have a state-of-the-art greenhouse thanks to Mike Terpstra. We grow many vegetables in there that we sell to our food service company that we then consume within our food service programs.

The York Dukes have an amazing Birth-to-Five program through Family Foundations and Sixpence. We partner with numerous families and provide multiple services to children long before they come to kindergarten.

The York Dukes have a very robust SPED department that is able to provide many services to students in need.

The York Dukes have one of the strongest Fine Arts departments in Nebraska.

The York Dukes have one of the strongest Athletic departments in Nebraska.

The York Dukes offer many successful extra-curricular programs.

The York Dukes have a "true" middle school concept that focuses on whole child development during the 6th-8th grade years.

The York Dukes have an amazing K-5 elementary that focuses on research-based instructional techniques.

The York Dukes have a new mission statement.....Every Student. Every Day. Find a Way.

The York Dukes will continue to work hard to improve more and more. We're proud of our past and excited about our future.

GO DUKES!