Random Thoughts

This week's blog is simply just going to be some random thoughts on a wide variety of topics...nothing earth-shattering at all...

* I'm very proud of the YHS Speech Team and the great start to their season they've had. This crew works extremely hard and I'm excited to see all they can accomplish this year. As with most teams, I hope they enjoy the journey and process and let the results take care of themselves.

* YHS Wrestling is having a strong season and flying a bit under the radar in my opinion, which is a good thing. I can tell you this, the boys won't be outworked and they'll be ready for February. I can't wait to watch them compete over the next few weeks. District and State Wrestling are two of my favorite events of the year.

* We're very fortunate here in York to have so many amazing partnerships and community support. Just yesterday, I was at YHS and was amazed to see the awesome "STEM Modules" that NPPD has brought in to help teach our new Technical Math class under the guidance of Rich Saxer.

* Congrats to the York Bowling Teams for qualifying for state. Although it is not a sanctioned school activity, we are very proud of these kids for their accomplishments and we wish them well at state!

* The York Girls' Basketball game vs. Norris on January 21st was as good of a game as I've seen in years. The Dukes have had a great season so far and are poised for big things in the weeks ahead. It will be a fun home stretch with lots of big match-ups!

* I've been lucky to visit our after-school program at YES a few times over the last couple of weeks. We have between 90-100 children that stay with us after-school to work on homework, academic assistance, and enrichment through club activities. Many of these kiddos stay with us until 5:00 or 5:30. I'm thankful for the dedicated staff that works with them day in and day out.

* YMS is a fun place to visit. I love the enthusiasm and energy that you fee from students and staff. The middle school years are such an important time in the development of our youth and I'm thankful for the true middle school concept we've been able to hang onto over the years.

* The York Boys' Basketball team has been in a bit of a slump but I promise you this, they will be ready and play their best basketball come district tournament time. I get the sense some folks around the conference, district, and state have written our boys off....man, do that at your own risk. These guys will get it going. Duke Pride doesn't go away after a few losses.

* The Enrichment Center is doing well in its new location. We have students working on credit recovery and staff helping them set and achieve measurable goals on a weekly basis.

* Our birth-to-five programming remains extremely vital to the success of our school district and community. These staff members are primarily behind the scenes but they do important work with our youngest learners and their families.

* We love our important "support staff" at YPS. We will be having an appreciation open house on February 22nd for them. Stay tuned for more info!

* The 100th day of school at YES was a blast! It's so fun and encouraging to see all of the amazing things our students and staff get done at York Elementary.

GO DUKES!