Principal's Newsletter - May 14, 2021

February 19, 2021

A Message From Principal Bagdasarian

Dr. Shahe Bagdasarian

Today was the last day of attendance for our seniors. While we are sad to see our seniors go, we are excited to watch them flourish in the coming years. The last day for our juniors, sophomores and freshmen will be on May, 27th. I encourage our students to finish the year strong and communicate with teachers if additional support is needed.

We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2021 on Sunday, May 23rd at our 1 p.m. ceremony. More importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to host one ceremony so that our seniors can graduate together. The ceremony will be streamed live and can be viewed by going to the York website found HERE.

As COVID restrictions begin to relax, I want to emphasize that, for the safety of everyone, we are still adhering to strict health protocols. In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, we ask that students continue to practice health protocols without exception. This includes wearing facial coverings over the mouth and nose while on campus. We have a few weeks to go in the school year and we appreciate your cooperation with this request.

Finally, on behalf of the staff at York, I would like to thank the PTSA for providing a wonderful continental breakfast during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Enjoy the nice weather and have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Dr. Shahe Bagdasarian

York High School Schedule May 2021

Important Dates

May 14: Last day for seniors

May 15: Prom event for Seniors

May 18: Future Duke Transition Night

May 23: Graduation 1 p.m.

May 27: Last day of school (9,10,11)

June 2: Athletic Awards Night

Inclement Weather Plan for Prom

We are hoping for beautiful weather tomorrow evening. In the event that the weather becomes unfavorable, we will move the prom to our fieldhouse. If a decision is made to move prom indoors, families will be notified via email by 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. Start and end times will remain the same whether prom is held outdoors or indoors.

Jefferson Scholarship Recipient

Ava Hollis

Congratulations to York senior, Ava Hollis, who was designated as a Jefferson Scholar by the Jefferson Foundation and has officially enrolled in the University of Virginia Class of 2025. Ava is the first ever York High School student to be named a Jefferson Scholar, and the only student in Illinois in 2021 to receive the honor.

The mission of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is to benefit the University of Virginia by identifying, attracting, and nurturing individuals of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest concomitant qualities of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Each year the Foundation receives over 2,000 nominations for the Jefferson Scholarship, and approximately 35 recipients will enroll in the University this fall.

The Scholarship provides undergraduate students with the financial support to pursue their passions and develop their talents for the good of the University and beyond. The award is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia and supplemental enrichment experiences, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, personal expenses, foreign travel studies, and other development opportunities. The value of the Scholarship exceeds $305,000 for non-Virginian students.

This year 36 students from Illinois were nominated for the Scholarship, and the Chicago regional selection committee designated Ava Hollis as our Finalist. She joined 119 other Finalists from the United States and four countries for the Selection Weekend, and Ava was offered a Jefferson Scholarship at the conclusion of the process.

Ava impressed the Committee with her knowledge of neuroscience and its applicability to education, and we enjoyed her series of webcasts that answer the provocative questions of young scientists like, “Why do roads develop potholes?” Ava’s ability to connect her peers to leaders in her community demonstrate her leadership ability and commitment to citizenship. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation and Selection Committee members enthusiastically welcome Ava to the University of Virginia community and look forward to her contributions to the University and larger society.

Click HERE to view other Class of 2021 seniors who have been awarded full academic scholarships.

Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

All Juniors will be taking the ISA in their Science Classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday May 24-26. These state mandated tests will not impact student grades, but are required to be given to measure student growth from 8th to 11th grade. Any remote students interested in taking the test should email: aroubitchek@elmhurst205.org.

Senior Parking for 2021-22 School Year

Current Juniors who are interested in participating in the Parking lottery for next school year must complete this google form by August 1st. Parking assignments will be made over the summer. Students who are in the Med Careers, Invite to Teach and Career Internship courses for next year are given priority, but they still must complete the parking lottery form.

Junior students may park in the senior parking spots along the track and at the stadium for the remainder of the school year starting Monday, May 17th. Students who are found parking in any staff lots will be removed from the parking lottery for next year.

Senior Raffles

We would like to thank the PTSA for organizing our senior raffle for this year. They did a tremendous job of securing some amazing prizes for our graduating seniors. Thank you to all of our families who contributed to this effort! Every senior will be automatically entered into the two grand prize raffles: $1000 cash prize and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Winners will be announced next week.

Photography Partner Change

We are happy to announce that our school photography for yearbook, senior photos and various school events, will be handled by Stuart Rodgers Photography. Current Juniors will be receiving information soon from this photography company to schedule Senior Photos over the summer. Senior Photos will be taken here at York throughout the summer. All underclassmen Yearbook photos will be taken at school when we return in the fall along with student ID photos for grades 9-12.

Athletics Updates

Updated WSC Spectator Policy can be found HERE.
York Athletic Updates can be found by clicking HERE.

York Athletics Awards Night - June 2nd 6:30 pm - York Commons

Free Physicals for York students on Tuesday, June 8th (8 am to 12 noon). Sponsored by NovaCare. Contact Giana Casialoa or Danille Jabczynski, Athletic Trainers at 630-617-2499.