English Learner Family Updates
Spring 2021

Welcome!
We understand how important it is for families to have an active role in education. We hope this page provides you with information you can use to help support your student(s). If you have questions about any of the information on this page, please contact your child's ESL teacher.
2021-22 School Calendar Approved
After reviewing parent, student and staff feedback regarding two calendar options, the school board approved the 2021-22 calendar to begin next school year prior to Labor Day. Students will return to class Monday, August 30, 2021. Under the new state law, the Friday before Labor Day must be a student holiday, creating a 4-day weekend. Next year’s calendar is available on the division website.
The division is currently planning for instruction to follow the traditional five-day in-person schedule in 2021-22, pending any state and federal guidance.
ACCESS Testing
Why are students being tested?
- The test provides information about students’ English language abilities in school. Educators use this information to make decisions about students’ educational support.
- ACCESS measures what students know and can demonstrate in the English domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
- Students do not need to study for the test, but rather, focus on demonstrating their language abilities.
This short video explains the ACCESS assessment and results
English Classes for Adults
York County School Division - English for Speakers of Other Languages
The York County School Division is now part of the Peninsula Regional Education Program designed for adult learners on the Tidewater Peninsula to be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to excel in the 21st century economy.
As a partner in the Peninsula's work force and educational development system, the Peninsula Regional Education Program offers instruction for adult learners in basic skills, GED Certification, English skills acquisition, and workforce training to effectively prepare individuals for college, careers, and citizenship.
Click the link for the schedule and contact information: https://yorkcountyschools.org/community/adultEducation/esol.aspx
Literacy for Life (for adults in the Bruton High, Queens Lake Middle, and Magruder Elementary zone)
Literacy for life provides individualized, one-to-one and small group tutoring for adults in reading, writing and math skills as well as instruction in English for speakers of other languages. The program also supports learners pursuing high school completion through the General Educational Development (GED) Test.
Elementary School News
Elementary School Magnet Session (Grades 1–5)
Magnet programs integrate Arts and STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) into core classes. The goal of these programs is to expand and enrich content curriculum for students.
Students zoned for a magnet school attend unless a parent has requested otherwise. Any additional slots in the magnet schools are filled by random lottery to students at other YCSD elementary schools.
Students who receive SPED and/or EL services will receive services at the magnet school.
Attend this virtual presentation featuring both Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet and Yorktown Elementary School Math, Science & Technology Magnet.
Program: Yorktown Elementary School Math, Science & Technology and Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Magnet
Location: Teams Link (click the link below)
Date: April 29, 2021
Time: 6:00 p.m.
https://yorkcountyschools.org/parents/specialtyPrograms/docs/Magnet_InfoSession2021.pdf
What is Expanded Hybrid?
Students will attend school 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).
Wednesdays will remain student support days.
When will Expanded Hybrid begin?
March 29th: Prek-Grade 2
April 12th: Grade 3-5
"As the division prepares for the Expanded Hybrid Model to begin on March 29, we ask our staff and families to help support these efforts by continuing to conduct Daily Health Screenings before coming to work, school, or practice. Additionally, as families are still encouraged to drive and carpool to school to help support distancing on buses, please be prepared for higher traffic volume near schools during arrival and dismissal times."
Middle and High School News
YCSD E-Tutoring
What: This is an opportunity for students to work with YCSD teachers to improve skills and receive help with English, Organization, and Mathematics.
Who: Grades 6-12
When: Monday-Thursday from 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual
E-tutoring offers help for the following subjects:
- Middle School English
- High School English
- General, Advanced, and AP Classes
- Determining missing assignments
- Prioritizing workload
- Identifying upcoming assessments
- Creating a daily work routine
- Foundations of Algebra I-III
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- AFDA
- Algebra II
- Trigonometry
- Math Analysis
- Others upon request
Sign up by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/YCSDTutor
What is Expanded Hybrid?
Students will attend school 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).
Wednesdays will remain student support days.
When will Expanded Hybrid begin?
March 29th: Grade 6 and Grade 9-12
April 12th: Grade 7-8
"As the division prepares for the Expanded Hybrid Model to begin on March 29, we ask our staff and families to help support these efforts by continuing to conduct Daily Health Screenings before coming to work, school, or practice. Additionally, as families are still encouraged to drive and carpool to school to help support distancing on buses, please be prepared for higher traffic volume near schools during arrival and dismissal times."
2021 - 2022 Program of Studies
The Secondary Program of Studies Registration and Information Guide is designed to provide students and their parents with information that will assist them in course selection and with long-range academic and career planning.
This guide includes information on graduation requirements, career planning, and instructional programs and courses offered in the middle and high schools of the York County School Division (YCSD). Additional information about courses and programs is also available in the school counseling office at each school.
It is important that students consider the course descriptions and prerequisites, keeping in mind their personal abilities and interests. Students should choose courses that contribute to the accomplishment of their educational, personal, and career goals.
Parents are asked to review this Secondary Program of Studies Registration and Information Guide with their student. The information provided should generate helpful discussions about career opportunities, diploma types, and educational plans. Please assist school personnel as they work to help your student realize that the educational choices made today greatly affect the opportunities available in the future.
https://yorkcountyschools.org/docs/ProgramofStudies_2122.pdf
See below for a copy of the Secondary Program of Studies in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish.
If you need the program of studies translated in a language other than the three offered below, please contact the EL Program Coordinator, Courtney Gonzalez-Vega (cgonzalez-vega@ycsd.york.va.us).