Citizenship Ceremony

Dear Students,

I am incredibly proud of you today.  This morning's ceremony represented our district's commitment to recognize and appreciate diversity in ideas and people, symbolized by our core values of respect and compassion.  

I would first like to thank the members of the civil rights team.  After enduring a challenging year of divisive politics in our nation, this group of students rose to the challenge.  They took the initiative to create an organization that would foster respect and appreciation for all rights and beliefs at Yarmouth High School.   

As part of her CEP experience, Paige Reinfelder sought to bring a U.S. citizenship ceremony  to Yarmouth High School, recognizing the impact and significance of witnessing this tremendous event.   Under the direction of advisor Mrs. Deb Johannsen, members of the civil rights team worked tirelessly to put together today's ceremony.  I would also like to thank Claire Scott, Tommy Ishimwe, Erik Borda, Jack Jones, Kyaira Grondin, Skylar Bennett, Annabelle Adams-Beyea, Kim Fuller, Tommy Ishimwe, Ellie Lowenstein, Avi Singh, Avery May, Lulu Rasor, Zach Mogul-Campbell, Alex Hall, Emily Corson, and Abby Van Lonkhuyzen for their efforts.

Next, I would like to thank members of our chamber choir for their performances of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.  These musical performances were tremendously inspiring as they so powerfully complemented this morning's message of unity.

There is always a great deal of work behind the scenes with any performance, and we are indebted to our director of facilities Bruce Bickford and his crew of Bob Doran, Jeff Decker, and our own students Nolan Hegarty, Jonny Torres, Matt Sanborn, Ben Cox-Faxon, Ashanti Haywood, and Tony Cleaves for braving the cold and assisting with parking.  We would also like to thank bus drivers Kathy Darling and Scott Thompson for their help with the shuttle service.   

Next, today's event would not have happened without the technical assistance of Michael Belley and Isabelle Dow in the YPAC.  Mrs. Young and Mrs. Hamilton furthermore provided the technological support to stream today's ceremony, allowing many more to view today's events.    

Finally, I would like to thank each and everyone of you.  Without hesitation, you volunteered to park, ride, or walk in order to make room for our guests today.  More importantly, you were exceptionally respectful during today's prestigious ceremony.  You should be proud to hold your head high as Clippers who were united together in welcoming thirty-one new citizens to our country.  

--

Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School

December 3rd Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Celebrations continue at YHS, as our robotics team recently qualified for the upcoming state championships by winning the Cape Elizabeth tournament last weekend.   Congratulations to Aaron Densmore, Sean Moore, Eli Anderson, Emmett Herr, Jackson Rollins, Philip Bock, Simon Whitaker, and William Lenardson.  

We would also like to recognize the efforts of seniors Cate Ralph and Harland Nadeau, who recently secured a grant from EcoMaine to reduce Yarmouth High School's carbon footprint with a more efficient recycling program in the cafeteria.   

Additionally, Sam Marjerison was named a 2018 National YoungArts Foundation honorable mention winner in the cinematic arts.

This week our music programs will celebrate the holiday season with an Instrumental Concert on Tuesday December 5th and a Choral Concert on Wednesday December 6th.  Both concerts begin at 7 pm.  As we approach the middle of the quarter, Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday December 6th.

We are very excited to share another important celebration with you.  Working with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Civil Rights Team has organized a Naturalization Ceremony at Yarmouth High School on Thursday December 7th.  Our guests will be receiving Certificates of Naturalization after taking their official Oaths of Allegiance. Since parking will be tight, we will be asking all students and staff to carpool as a bus shuttle service will be available at the Exit 15 Park and Ride.  More information can be found here.  

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Veterans Honor Parade - Sunday, December 10th (approximate arrival of the convoy is between 6:00 and 6:30pm). The Yarmouth Community is invited to show support and appreciation for our Veterans and their families by welcoming the convoy carrying the wreaths to be laid at Arlington National Cemetery.   The Patriot Guard Riders, along with Yarmouth Police and Fire Departments, will escort the parade along Route 115 under a 600-square foot American Flag supported by Ladder Trucks

Use of Tylenol or Advil in School - A reminder from the school nurse that due to district policy, medications such as Tylenol or Advil cannot be administered without parent permission.  The policy is in place to protect any students with underlying conditions that prevent them from taking such medications.  If you would like your child to be able to take an OTC pain reliever at school, please go to the Emergency/Medical Tab in Powerschool and select the option that best suits your student's needs.  Remember to hit "submit" at the bottom of the page in order to save any changes.  The link to the district's policy is listed here.

Clipper Honors - Honor an educator this holiday season!  The Clipper Honors program provides an opportunity for parents & students to thank, honor or congratulate an educator through a donation to the Yarmouth Education Foundation. It's a way to recognize any staff member in our schools who has had a positive impact on your child's life.  All Clipper Honors recipients receive a certificate of appreciation indicating that a donation of an undisclosed amount has been made to YEF in their name. Clipper Honors donations are accepted throughout the year.  During the holiday season, Clipper Honors donations of $25.00 or more will include your honoree's custom certificate of appreciation and a sampler box of six delicious chocolates-exclusively made by Wilbur's of Maine.

Best regards -- Eric Klein and Amy Bongard, YHS Administrative Team

YHS Student Performance

Seniors Nick Prato and Meghan Smith performing Vance Joy's My Kind of Man at Wednesday's assembly.

November 19, 2017 Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Yarmouth’s commitment to excellence that spans across so many different student interests, and can be described as an intricate tapestry where so many diverse threads are woven together.  This weekend’s performances of Pippin by the YHS Playmakers serve as yet another example of the tremendous commitment to Renaissance learning and celebration of the arts. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for another phenomenal fall musical performance.  

We would also like to recognize Lulu Rasor for her film review of the film Frantz, which was recently published as part of the Kidspirit online magazine and community.  Additionally, three Yarmouth students were recently recognized as Eagle scouts.  After taking the Veteran’s Day weekend honor those who have served overseas to protect this country, Kyle Bennett’s efforts to create a Memorial at Yarmouth Fire and Rescue recognizes the sacrifices of those who risk their lives here at home.  Following in the footsteps of their father and their grandfather, Jackson Rollins and Parker Rollins completed their Eagle Scout capstone project creating a garden at the Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth.  Congratulations to all, and a few reminders of upcoming events.  

Principals’ Chat - Tuesday November 28th at 6 pm in the library.  After the Thanksgiving holiday, please feel free to join us as we take time to reflect upon the first quarter of the school year, and look forward to the rest of the year.   

A reminder that School Picture Retakes are scheduled for Friday, December 1st.    

Senior Yearbook photos are due Monday, December 4th.    These photos can be submitted digitally or by hard copy.  If submitting by email, please include your son or daughter’s first and last name in the title of the email. All digital photos must be in high resolution jpg or tiff format. The yearbook staff can scan your baby photos for you! If you are submitting hard copies, please label all photos on the back and submit to Betsy Puelle through main office.  Emails or questions should be directed to betsy_puelle@yarmouthschools.org

YHS will be closed for the Thanksgiving Break from Wednesday, November 22nd until Sunday, November 26th.  A reminder that any items left in the “Lost and Found” table located outside the main office will be donated to local organizations.   Wishing you and your families a safe and restful vacation.  

Best regards,

Eric Klein and Amy Bongard, YHS Administrative Team

November 5th Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians,

For the past few weeks, the Sunday notes have followed a wonderful pattern that features celebration of student accomplishments, followed by a summary of important events.  This week is no exception, as both of our soccer teams won state championships on yet another "Super Saturday" for Yarmouth athletics.   We have had an incredible fall at Yarmouth High School, and our learning area conferences offer parents an important opportunity to meet with teachers this week.  Before we prepare for a Maine winter, however, there is one more marquee fall event at Yarmouth High School as our Playmakers prepare for the performance of Pippin, with box office sales beginning this week.    

Winter Sports Info Night -  Winter Sports Information Night will be held on Monday, November 6th @ 6 pm.  Please plan to attend if your son or daughter is participating in a winter sport in order to meet with coaches. Locations for each team will be posted at both entrances to the school.

November 7th, 8th - Learning Area Conferences - The Yarmouth High School version of Parent-Teacher Conferences is this week.  Individual appointments are not made ahead of time; rather these conferences are held in the cafeteria and gym where teachers provide quick updates (about 5 minutes) of your child's progress.  Our student ambassadors will be on site to help guide you through this evening.

• If your son or daughter's last name begins with A-K, conferences will be held from 3:30-6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 7.  

• Those with last names starting with L-Z will have conferences from 3:30-6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 8th.  

Blue Jean Ball -  YEF (Yarmouth Education Foundation) is hosting the annual Blue Jean Ball on November 11, 2017 at the AMVETS Hall.   The event is a fun night out benefiting Yarmouth students in grades K-12.  Please visit www.yarmoutheducationfoundation.org for more details.

YHS fall musical, Pippin - This musical tells the story of a group of performers who put on a play based on the oldest son of Charlemagne - Pippin. Pippin returns from college determined to lead an extraordinary life.  Playmakers have teamed up with Circus Maine to create circus choreography for this very special production.  YHS Pippin performances will be held:

• Wednesday, November 15 Open Dress Rehearsal  7:00 pm

• Thursday, Nov 16 at 7:00 pm

• Friday, Nov 17 at 7:00 pm

• Saturday, Nov 18 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm

All shows are reserved seating; tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased with cash or a check (no credit cards).  Tickets can be reserved online starting November 7 at YPAC_boxoffice @yarmouthschools.org or via phone at 846-2335. The box office will be open to the public November 7 & 8 from 11-1 pm and during parent teacher conferences both afternoons from 3:30-6:30 and on Nov 9 from 11-1 pm.  On November 10 the box office will be closed, but people can reserve tickets online at YHS_boxoffice@yarmouthschools.org.   The box office will also be open Nov 13-17 from 11-1 pm.

Finally, School Picture Retakes are scheduled for Friday, December 1st, as well as a reminder that there will be so school on Friday, November 10th in recognition of Veteran's Day.    

Best regards,

Eric Klein and Amy Bongard, YHS Administrative Team

--

Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School

October 29th Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Tonight's note starts with another round of celebration, further recognizing student accomplishments in the world of music and athletics.   First, we would like to offer congratulations to the following students for their acceptance into the MMEA District 2 Instrumental Honors Festival, which will take place on January 19th and 20th at Oxford Hills High School.

• Orchestra - Lydia Dustin

• Band - Evan Lucca, Eli Anderson, Emi Ruth, and Parker Harnett.

• Honors Treble Choir - Gabby Colby-George, Izabel Cox-Faxon, Olivia Feeley, Lydia Dustin, Parker Harnett, Abby Hill, and Vicky Williams

• Honors Mixed Choir - Bay Hanson, Miles Hagedorn, Max Kempler, Evan Lucca, Ian MacGillivray, Nick Prato, and Wes Pratt.

We would also like to recognize the girls' cross country team as state champions, led by Sophie Laukli and Anneka Murrin, who finished 2nd and 4th respectively.  Congratulations to our boys' cross country team who finished 2nd overall, led by Luke Laverdiere's first place finish.  Playoff action continues this week, with our soccer teams playing in regional finals on Wednesday November 1st.   

End of the Quarter - Friday, November 3rd.  We would encourage you to review your student's progress on PowerSchool.  A reminder that Cornerstones are the assessments designed by Yarmouth High School teachers that connect directly to the learning area and school-wide expectations.  Students need to pass all of the cornerstones in a course with a grade of 80 or above in order to pass the course.   Students who do not reach that grade on the first try will have multiple opportunities to meet the required score.  Should a cornerstone not be successfully completed, a "CINC" (cornerstone incomplete) will be listed in their grade report.  As soon as students have retaken their assessment(s) and successfully demonstrated proficiency with a score of 80 or above, the incomplete "CINC" marker will be removed from their grade report.    

Winter Sports Info Night - With the end of the fall season almost at hand,  it is time to prepare for winter sports.  Winter Sports Information Night will be held on Monday, November 6th @ 6 pm.  Please plan to attend if your son or daughter is participating in a winter sport in order to meet with coaches. Locations for each team will be posted at both entrances to the school.

November 7th, 8th - Learning Area Conferences - The Yarmouth High School version of Parent-Teacher Conferences is around the corner.  Individual appointments are not made ahead of time; rather these conferences are held in the cafeteria and gym where teachers provide quick updates (about 5 minutes) of your child's progress.  Our student ambassadors will be on site to help guide you through this evening.

• If your son or daughter's last name begins with A-K, conferences will be held from 3:30-6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 7.  

• Those with last names starting with L-Z will have conferences from 3:30-6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 8th.    

Blue Jean Ball -  YEF (Yarmouth Education Foundation) is hosting the annual Blue Jean Ball on November 11, 2017 at the AMVETS Hall.   The event is a fun night out benefiting Yarmouth students in grades K-12.  Please visit www.yarmoutheducationfoundation.org for more details.

YHS fall musical, Pippin - This musical tells the story of a group of performers who put on a play based on the oldest son of Charlemagne - Pippin. Pippin returns from college determined to lead an extraordinary life.  Playmakers have teamed up with Circus Maine to create circus choreography for this very special production.  YHS Pippin performances will be held:

• Wednesday, November 15 Open Dress Rehearsal  7:00 pm

• Thursday, Nov 16 at 7:00 pm

• Friday, Nov 17 at 7:00 pm

• Saturday, Nov 18 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm

All shows are reserved seating; tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased with cash or a check (no credit cards).  Tickets can be reserved online starting November 7 at YPAC_boxoffice @yarmouthschools.org or via phone at 846-2335. The box office will be open to the public November 7 & 8 from 11-1 pm and during parent teacher conferences both afternoons from 3:30-6:30 and on Nov 9 from 11-1 pm.  On November 10 the box office will be closed, but people can reserve tickets online at YHS_boxoffice@yarmouthschools.org.   The box office will also be open Nov 13-17 from 11-1 pm.

Finally, School Picture Retakes are scheduled for Friday, December 1st.

Best regards,

Eric Klein and Amy Bongard, YHS Administrative Team

--

Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School

Maine Music Educators Association Recipients

      Nick Prato -                                                                                                              Vicky Williams - 
      MMEA Jazz All-State Combo, guitar                                                                  MMEA Jazz All-State Choir, alto voice

October 1 - Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Although much of tonight’s message is a review of October events, we would like to share a few new pieces of information.   First, we will hold our fall Financial Aid Night this Wednesday, October 4th in the YPAC from 6:30 to 8 pm.  In light of today’s spiraling college tuition costs, this presentation from guidance counselors Beth Doane and Brenda Michaelsen can help parents navigate through the financial aid process - please see this link for more information. 

Next, there will be an informational meeting regarding the Russian Exchange Program this Tuesday, October 3rd in room at 6:30 pm.  Program director Doug Reighley will be available to answer questions regarding this cultural opportunity to host students and a teacher from Archangel, Russia.  Three 16 year-old female students and their chaperone, a 57-year old female teacher, will be visiting Yarmouth High School this fall.   In return, students from Yarmouth will have the opportunity to travel to Archangel over the April vacation and stay with host families.   

Finally, we appreciate your patience as we work through the implementation of a new parking policy. In the coming weeks, we will continue to distribute passes to upperclassmen.  Based on current projections, we have determined there will not be sufficient space for sophomores to park at the high school this year.  Please note, should there be circumstances that require special consideration, you may contact an administrator at the high school.   

From last week ...

PSAT Registration - Juniors and Sophomores are scheduled to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11th.  Please note this is not a late start day for sophomores and juniors.  Following the exam, students will report to periods 4 and 5 with a break for lunch.   The cost of the PSAT is $20. Please see registration information below from guidance.

*Registration Process for PSAT's*

Beginning Monday, September 25th, juniors and sophomores can register for the PSAT in guidance.  Please bring $20 in cash or check made payable to Yarmouth High School. If paying by check, please put your child's name in the memo section.  Fee waivers are available in guidance.  At the time of registration, students will receive a study guide to help prepare for the PSAT.  By taking the PSAT, Juniors are automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.  For sophomores, this is an opportunity to practice taking a college entrance exam and receive feedback to help prepare for future standardized tests. 

Our House II Campaign - Many of you will recall the Our House fundraising campaign of more than ten years ago that provided much needed bleachers to the high school stadium field. That campaign was a great success, but it left us without a few of the amenities we'd like to provide for our athletes and fans - most notably, restrooms.  Now, we are excited to announce the Our House II campaign to further improve the athletic facilities at Yarmouth High School by providing for the following:

• Construction of restrooms
• Improvements to the snack shack
• Updating of the team shed
• Upgrades to the electrical panel
• Installation of directional signage

In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about this project through district-wide emails and a town-wide publicity campaign. To learn more about this opportunity to improve our community facility, log on to www.yarmouthourhouse2.com.   

Influenza Vaccination Clinic -  Thursday October 5th.  In order for a student to receive a vaccination, parents need to complete a permission form (these will be available in the cafe at open house). 

Yearbook Information - Please refer to this link for more information on how to purchase the 17-18 YHS yearbook.   

*Important notice for Seniors -  Senior Ads are due October 10th!  Please refer to this link for more information.
A quick reminder that there is no school on Friday October 6th as our faculty will be attending workshops, and there will be no school on Monday, October 9th in recognition of the Columbus Day holiday. Best regards,

Cole Buchanan - U.S. Senate Page Program

From Senator Susan Collins Facebook page:

I first met Cole Buchanan in 2009 at a hearing I chaired on Type 1 diabetes. Cole, a native of Yarmouth, participated as a member of the JDRF Children’s Congress and was a passionate advocate for research to cure this disease. I recently nominated Cole to the U.S. Senate Page Program, and I was glad to welcome him back to Washington, D.C., for this incredible opportunity.

September 24th Parent Note

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The end of September is noteworthy for several reasons.  Not only does it mark the end of the first month of school, it's also the time of year when we traditionally hold our Open House, inviting parents to learn more about the learning that takes place at Yarmouth High School.   On Wednesday September 27th, Open House will begin at 6:30pm.  You will start the evening with your child's advisor and afterwards go through an abbreviated schedule of classes (link here) which will provide the opportunity to meet teachers.   Schedules will be provided to parents when they meet with advisors (copies will be available at the rear entrance near Portland Street for parents who arrive after 6:45).  Car-pooling is highly recommended, as parking is always tight for this event.   

 

Digital Citizenship - Our 9th grade students recently participated in the first of three digital citizenship workshops.  These sessions are designed to increase our students' understanding of ethical use of technology, as well as provide students with better awareness of their digital footprint. Please feel free to review the following resources.   

• They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets

• Harvard Rescinds Acceptances

• Five Social Media Lessons to Learn from Emma Sullivan (Teen Vogue)

• What You Miss Out On When Your Social Media Profiles Are Invisible

 

PSAT Registration

Juniors and Sophomores are scheduled to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11th.  Please note that although this test is on a Wednesday, this is not a late start day for sophomores and juniors.  Following the exam, students will report to periods 4 and 5 with a break for lunch.   The cost of the PSAT is $20. Please see registration information below from guidance.

*Registration Process for PSAT's*

Beginning Monday, September 25th, juniors and sophomores can register for the PSAT in guidance.  Please bring $20 in cash or check made payable to Yarmouth High School. If paying by check, please put your child's name in the memo section.  Fee waivers are available in guidance.  At the time of registration, students will receive a study guide to help prepare for the PSAT.  By taking the PSAT, Juniors are automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.  For sophomores, this is an opportunity to practice taking a college entrance exam and receive feedback to help prepare for future standardized tests.

Russian Exchange Program - Host families needed!  We've recently been presented with a wonderful cultural opportunity to host students and a teacher from Archangel, Russia for 1-2 weeks at the end of October/early November.  Three 16 year-old female students and their chaperone, a 57-year old female teacher, will be visiting Yarmouth High School during this time.   In return, students from Yarmouth will have the opportunity to travel to Archangel over the April vacation and stay with host families.  Please contact Principal Klein for more information if you are interested and would like more information about this cultural exchange.   

Our House II Campaign - Many of you will recall the Our House fundraising campaign of more than ten years ago that provided much needed bleachers to the high school stadium field. That campaign was a great success, but it left us without a few of the amenities we'd like to provide for our athletes and fans - most notably, restrooms.  Now, we are excited to announce the Our House II campaign to further improve the athletic facilities at Yarmouth High School by providing for the following:

• Construction of restrooms

• Improvements to the snack shack

• Updating of the team shed

• Upgrades to the electrical panel

• Installation of directional signage

In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about this project through district-wide emails and a town-wide publicity campaign. To learn more about this opportunity to improve our community facility, log on to www.yarmouthourhouse2.com.  

  

Influenza Vaccination Clinic -  Thursday October 5th.  In order for a student to receive a vaccination, parents need to complete a permission form (these will be available in the cafe at open house).

Yearbook Information - Please refer to this link for more information on how to purchase the 17-18 YHS yearbook.  

*Important notice for Seniors -  Senior Ads are due October 10th!  Please refer to this link for more information.

--

Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School

September 10 Parent Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

After our first week of classes, it's already Homecoming at Yarmouth High School.  Athletic Director Susan Robbins has put together a schedule of events, found here, for our students as we continue to celebrate the start of the school year.  Please take a few minutes to review the following information as well.    

Update on Parking - As our enrollment at Yarmouth High School continues to grow, we no longer have enough parking space for all students.  During the past two years, this has created parking issues as students struggle to find spots and get to class on time.  We therefore need to begin a new parking system due to the limited number of spaces.  Please refer to this link for more information which explains the parking policy in more detail.   

Playmaker Parents - On Tuesday, September 12th from 6:00-6:30 in the YPAC, there will be a mandatory meeting for all parents and students who are in the cast, or anticipate working on the crew, of this year's musical, Pippin. This informational session is important to welcome new families, go over scheduling and expectations, collect contact information, and answer questions. All students involved in the musical - on stage or behind the scenes - and at least one parent, should plan to attend. The meeting will also be followed by the year's first Friends of Playmakers (FOP) booster club meeting, and all parents are welcome and encouraged to come!

Upcoming Events

• School Photos - September 20th

• Open House - September 27th

Casco-Bay Can Presentation - Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: How to Stop the Worry Cycle.  September 18th  from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, YPAC auditorium.  For more information please see this link.

Insurance Forms - If you are interested in accessing insurance for your student, please access the link here.

I'd like to share one more item to celebrate the start of the 2017-2018 school year, a new page on our website found here.  Inspired by the creativity of social studies teacher Amy Sanders and coordinated by assistant principal Amy Bongard, the faculty of Yarmouth High School created paragraphs describing what they love about education.  Please take a few minutes to read through this page as it provides a wonderful expression of our faculty's commitment to the students and Yarmouth community.   

Best regards,

--

Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School

Yarmouth High School teacher has been making a difference for students since 1979

Article

2017 Welcome Back Letter

Dear Students and Parents,

The start of the 2017-2018 school year is almost upon us, and we are excited to begin a year of innovative teaching and learning at Yarmouth High School.  

Thanks to a summer of tremendous work, Yarmouth High School looks absolutely beautiful as Bruce Bickford and our custodians have once again done a wonderful job getting our classrooms and facilities ready for students.  We would like to take time to recognize Liliana Tyler, who will be leaving us to take care of her family after many years of dedicated service to our students.

Our teachers have likewise spent the summer gearing up for another year of teaching and learning.  Many have traveled far and wide this summer pursuing an amazing array of professional development opportunities.  In the world of science, Catie Wooten spent a week at the Island School located on the southwestern-most tip of Eleuthera, while Mike Weiss studied Oceanography at the United States Naval Academy.  Not to be outdone on the high seas, Sarah Hirschfeld spent a week at the Bigelow Ocean Labs before heading ashore for a ten-day Geology field trip in Canada, working in conjunction with the University of Maine.   

In the humanities, English teacher Marita O'Neill spent a week with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa at a seminar hosted by James Madison University, while Lorrie King, Marc Brown, and Karin Walsh attended the Hurricane Island Southern Maine Writer's Project Writing by the Sea retreat for teachers.  Social Studies Teacher Amy Sanders will help bring the Middle East to YHS as part of the Bridge Program sponsored by the the Stevens Institute.  This program seeks to build connections between youth in the United States and Middle East/North Africa through interactive workshops and seminars.  Our technology guru Alice Barr attended a workshop at the Center for Innovation in Education, Weaving a Tapestry of Learning, while Art teacher Holly Houston participated in a sculpture workshop through Watershed - an internationally known ceramics center in Maine.  I would also like to recognize many of our faculty who have spent the summer working on curriculum in preparation of the upcoming school year.    

This time of year, we also take time to recognize the new staff members joining our faculty.  Stacey Hang arrives to YHS taking the role of school nurse after working at Maine Medical Center as well as the Westbrook and Gardiner school systems.   Laura Esty is the newest addition to our English department, after teaching at Leavitt High School.  She will be part of the freshman team while also teaching AP Literature to seniors.  Kevin Lindstrom joins us as Educational Technician, after spending two years teaching in Thailand. Fiona Hendry returns to YHS as an Educational Technician, and will also serve as a substitute teacher for Jackie Anderson who is out on maternity leave during the month of September.    

After such a tremendous summer, we look forward to the arrival of students on Tuesday, September 5th.  One of the best parts of September is reconnecting with students, sharing our summer experiences, and beginning another year of teaching and learning.  On a final note, I would ask that you review the information below to make sure your student starts off the school year on a positive note.  Should you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the start of school, please feel free to call the school or send me an email at: eric_klein@yarmouthschools.org.   

Wishing you the best,

Eric Klein

Principal

• First Day of School - Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 5th as a BLUE day. This will be a full regular school day, with advisor/advisee period starting promptly at 8 am.  This year's schedule can be found here.  Advisor group lists and locations will be posted in the main hallways for students who are not sure where to go.  

• Wednesday Late Start Workshop Days - Every Wednesday morning, students arrive to school at 9 am, which allows teachers to meet for professional development training. This starts on Wednesday, September 7th.  

• Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 27th at 6:30 pm.  Following an abbreviated student schedule, this evening is an opportunity for parents to meet with their son or daughter's advisor and teachers to learn  more about classes and learning at YHS.  

• Bus transportation - This year's pickup/dropoff bus schedules are being updated and should be ready soon. Please go to this link for more information.  

• Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) - For those students who are attending PATHS, classes start on the first day of school.  Ms. Bongard will send more detailed information to PATHS students in a separate letter.

• Student Driving Privileges -  If your son or daughter plans to drive to school this year, we will be providing students with parking tags.  Students will receive information over the next few weeks and will be given time to bring a copy of their registration through the main office.  

• Senior Open Campus -  A separate letter from Ms. Bongard will be sent to seniors describing the protocols for our open campus program.

• Student Laptops - We are continuing the laptop computer program for all students in grades 9-12 as students will be issued a "MacBook Air" computer during the first few days of school.  Students will receive permission slips on the first day of school; please return these to the advisors along with a $25 check for insurance prior to the distribution of computers.  We also ask that you take time to review the expectations for laptop use. This program will continue to help our students use technology in many aspects of their learning.  If you would like to get a jump-start on this process, please review the following letter at this link: Parent Letter for the Laptop Rollout. To access the form that requires your signature, please go to this link:  Form to be sent in to advisors.

• Online Classes - Yarmouth is part of the Virtual High School program (http://thevhscollaborative.org/).  Students who are interested in taking a class that is not currently offered at YHS should see their guidance counselor in the opening days of school.

• Sports - Please use this link YHS athletic website to check schedules and access other information related to athletics.  

• Clubs & Activities - On September 27th, our Student Senate will host a "Club Fair" that provides students with the chance to explore many activities and clubs currently available at YHS.  Our senate also works with students create new clubs or organizations based on their interests.  

• Student Handbook - Can be found at this link.   Please take time to review this site with your student as it contains our core values, protocols, and policies of our school community.  

• School Announcements - Can be found on the home page of the district website to stay up to date with events and news at YHS.

• Pest Management Policy - Can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/yhspestmgt

• School Nutrition - Please read through this letter from Blair Currier regarding our school nutrition program for the upcoming school year.  If you would like information regarding our free and reduced lunch program read through information.  Please use this link for an application this program which should be filled out and returned to school.  Should you have any questions, please contact Mr. Currier at 846-2323, blair_currier@yarmouthschools.org.

• School calendar - Can be found at: http://yhs.yarmouthschools.org/calend.  If you are someone who uses "Google Calendars," you can subscribe to this calendar with this link by going to the bottom right side of the calendar where you will find a link to the directions.

• Each year, we supply our volunteer coordinators with the names, phone numbers and emails of parents.  If you do NOT want your information shared, please call the Main Office.

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Eric P. Klein

Principal

Yarmouth High School