The York County School Division School Board recently heard a presentation on an environmental learning partnership between the division and The Mariners’ Museum and Park. Courtney Gonzalez-Vega, York County Schools STEM Specialist, introduced the program to the board at their meeting on October 26, saying it supports multiple priorities in the division’s strategic plan.
Two students told the board that hands-on activities, including operating underwater robots and planting eelgrass in Mariners’ Lake, were enjoyable, and one said the hands-on experience was better than classroom learning. The partnership extends learning across elementary, middle and high school levels through field experiences, outreach activities and a grant-funded program, with Gonzalez-Vega saying they hope to keep expanding the summer event’s focus through the partnership.
Gonzalez-Vega opened the presentation by describing the partnership as one that extends learning beyond the classroom through interactive programs, field experiences and opportunities to explore environmental science. She said the collaboration supports the division’s focus on engaging educational experiences and demonstrates the value of working with community organizations. (0:24:28)
Harriet Smith, Chief of Staff at The Mariners’ Museum and Park, then addressed the board, saying the museum is honored to partner with the division to bring its mission to life. Smith said the museum aims to educate the next generation about waterways, maritime heritage and environmental stewardship through programs serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school. The presentation highlighted that the programs span elementary, middle and high school and involve outreach activities and field experiences. (0:25:46)
The board then watched a video narrated by Gonzalez-Vega that highlighted program offerings across grade levels. The video described a middle school program called Shipwrecks, Climate and Remotely Operated Vehicles, which Gonzalez-Vega said gives students experience in maritime science and engineering relevant to STEM careers. The video also described an updated Lake Stewards fishing activity that added a game-like format, and noted that a free board game resource was created for teachers to use after field trips. (0:26:55)
Two students spoke to the board about their experiences in the programs. One, a seventh-grade student at Queens Lake Middle School, described participating in the Shipwrecks program, saying a favorite part was using underwater robots and that the program also included underwater archaeology. A 10th-grade student at York High School described the Lake Stewards program, saying they grew eelgrass at school, then planted it in Mariners’ Lake while wearing waders, and said they preferred the hands-on experience to classroom learning. (0:30:49)
Board members then asked questions of the students and presenters. One student told a board member that they would encourage other students to participate, and one student said the hands-on experience was better than learning from a lab or classroom. A board member asked whether admission to The Mariners’ Museum and Park is a dollar donation, and a presenter replied “a dollar admission.” A presenter told the board that the summer engagement event at the museum was a one-time occurrence focused on elementary and middle school students, though the division holds ongoing summer events, and that the presenter hopes to keep expanding on the event’s focus through the partnership. (0:34:11)
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School board approves plan for $1.5 million in unspent funds
The York County School Board on Oct. 26 approved a request asking the county Board of Supervisors to return to the school division the $1,587,363 it left unspent at the end of fiscal year 2026. The money would pay for $1,125,000 in textbooks to implement new state math standards, $100,000 to convert the telephone system, $50,000 for Targeted Support Intervention, $170,000 for the Technology Reserve Fund, $80,000 for a maintenance reserve account and $62,363 for anticipated overages in gas and diesel expenses.
York County high schools list 183 clubs for 2026-27
The 2026-27 high school clubs list, covering 183 clubs across five York County schools, was approved by the School Board at its meeting.
Bruton High School
African American Student Association: Helps students connect and engage in community and culture.
Art Club: Builds skills and explores art forms independently and collaboratively.
Asian Student Association: Provides community engagement and education for students, staff, and partners.
Chemistry Honor Society: Provides science service opportunities and promotes science learning for students.
Chess Club: Offers time and space to play chess and meet peers.
Cosmetology Club: Teaches students about daily hair, skin, and nail care.
Dungeons and Dragons Club (D&D): Offers time and space to play D&D and meet peers.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): Welcoming space for students to find encouragement and build relationships.
French Honor Society
Freshmen Class Council: Represents and supports the freshmen class through fundraisers.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): Prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through career preparation.
Garden Club: Promotes gardening science and application while maintaining the outdoor classroom.
Junior Class Council: Represents and supports the junior class through fundraisers.
Key Club: Service organization developing leadership through projects supporting school and community.
Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society
National Honor Society (NHS): Honor society focused on service through student-selected service projects.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)
Panther Achievement Leaders: Leadership and mentorship opportunity for 11th and 12th graders.
Panther Pit Crew: Promotes school spirit, sportsmanship, and attendance at athletic events.
Rho Kapp National Social Studies Honor Society
Science & Engineering Fair Club: Promotes applying science, engineering, and technology through experimental design.
Senior Class Council: Represents the senior class and raises money for senior activities.
Sophomore Class Council: Represents and supports the sophomore class through fundraisers.
Spanish Honor Society: Explores Hispanic culture, service, and leadership while tutoring Spanish students.
Student Council Association (SCA): Represents students and plans pep rallies and homecoming events.
Virginia History Day
Yearbook: Curricular class where students create the Bruton High School yearbook.
Grafton High School
African-American History Club/CHROME: Celebrates African American heritage, culture, and contributions while promoting diversity.
Asian Association: Promotes awareness of Asian cultures through educational and service activities.
Badminton / Pickleball Club: Student recreation through badminton and pickleball, meeting every other Wednesday.
Bible Study Club: Supportive place for students to study and discuss the Bible.
Blue Crab Bowl: Engages students in marine science and stewardship through academic competition.
Book Club: Fosters a love of reading through discussion and shared reading.
Chess/Board Game Club: Student recreation through chess and board games, meeting weekly.
Clay Club: Encourages creativity through ceramics and clay-based art projects.
Clipper Ambassadors: Welcomes new students with a tour and a peer connection.
Clippers & Cubs: Pairs selected GHS students with selected GBES students as mentors.
Clippers Create Change: Creates positive change at GHS through spirit, kindness, and volunteering.
Color Guard: Produces and broadcasts school news, developing communication and media skills.
Cybersecurity Club: Develops students’ cybersecurity, digital safety, and technology skills.
D & D Club: Student recreation playing Dungeons and Dragons, meeting every Monday.
DECA: Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, and hospitality.
Drama/Thespians: Promotes theatrical arts through performance, production, and leadership opportunities.
English Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in English academics, leadership, service, and character.
Environmental/Maritime Club: Promotes environmental stewardship and marine awareness, including weekly recycling collection.
FBLA: Prepares community-minded business leaders through career preparation and leadership experiences.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Encourages character, leadership, and fellowship through faith-based activities.
French Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in French academics, leadership, service, and character.
Freshman Class Officers: Provide leadership and support for the freshman class.
G-Force: Increases school spirit among students and staff, including pep rallies.
German Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in German academics, leadership, service, and character.
Good Morning Grafton: Produces and broadcasts school news while developing media production skills.
Health Sciences Association: Explores health care careers and builds health science knowledge.
Junior Class Officers: Provide leadership and support for the junior class.
Literary Magazine: Provides opportunities for student journalism, writing, editing, and publication.
Model UN: Competes in Model UN competitions, meeting every Thursday.
Morgan’s Message: Spreads student-athlete mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and provides resources.
Mu Alpha Theta: Recognizes excellence in math academics, leadership, service, and character.
National Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character.
Newspaper: Provides opportunities for student journalism, writing, editing, and publication.
Rho Kappa: Recognizes excellence in History/SS academics, leadership, service, and character.
Robotics: Develops engineering, programming, problem-solving skills through robot design and operation.
SCA: Student council focused on leadership, service, student voice, and engagement.
School Beautification/Garden Club: Enhances the school through gardening, landscaping, and beautification projects.
Science National Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in science academics, leadership, service, and character.
Senior Class Officers: Provide leadership and support for the senior class.
Sight and Sound: Supports student involvement in technical theater, including lighting and sound.
Silent Heroes: Students research two WWII veterans and present their eulogies.
Sophomore Class Officers: Provide leadership and support for the sophomore class.
Spanish Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in Spanish academics, leadership, service, and character.
Table Tennis Club: Student recreation playing table tennis, meeting twice a month.
Tri-M: Music honor society for students excelling academically and musically.
Tabb High School
4H Club: Learn by doing through clubs, camps, and fairs.
Aerospace Club: Explores flight, spacecraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion through hands-on projects.
Build the Moon: Uses lunar regolith to build a landing pad and habitat.
Cater Club: Raises advocacy about breaking stigmas through food collection and ASL.
Chess Club/Kings and Pawns: Teaches chess to elementary students and offers after-school play.
Chorus - Girls Ensemble, Jazz Choir, Mixed Chorus: Promotes musicianship, singing, and choral performance through rehearsal and assessment.
Club Earth: Raises environmental awareness and promotes sustainable actions in the school.
Concert Band: Performs winter, assessment, and spring concerts, plus an optional trip.
DECA: Co-curricular organization for CTE Marketing students with competitions and conferences.
Dungeons & Dragons: Supports students who enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons.
FBLA: Business club where students learn about business and compete.
FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Like-minded athletes gather for fellowship and bible-themed activities.
French Club: Celebrates francophone culture through monthly meetings, traditions, history, and foods.
French Honor Society: National French Honor Society chapter promoting French language and culture.
Freshman Class: Encourages grade-level activities, builds school spirit, and raises money.
Gardening Club: Grows vegetables, herbs, and plants using organic methods, with composting.
German Honor Society: Promotes German language and culture through service and cultural events.
Jazz Ensemble: Performs winter and spring concerts, assessment, and community performances.
Junior Class: Organizes events for the Class of 2027, like Junior Prom.
Kidwind Wind & Solar Challenges: Hands-on competition where students demonstrate clean energy knowledge and creativity.
Kindness Club: Spreads random acts of kindness throughout the school.
Lacrosse Club: Lets students learn about lacrosse and discuss its fundamentals.
Lit Magazine: Creates a printed literary magazine for student art and writing.
Marching Band: Performs at home football games, band competitions, and community events.
Model UN: Competes in debate activities simulating the United Nations.
Morgan’s Message: Focuses on mental health for student-athletes through meetings and presentations.
Mu Alpha Theta: Fosters mathematical thinking and helps struggling students with math.
Multicultural CLub: Promotes cultural awareness and lets students share their cultures.
Musical: Co-curricular group performing a spring musical in April.
National Art Honor Society: Recognizes outstanding visual arts students and promotes art education.
National Beta Club: Promotes academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among students.
National English Honor Society: Recognizes students excelling in English and promotes community literacy.
National Honor Society -- Elizabeth P. Smith Chapter: Encourages scholarship, service, leadership, and character among Tabb High students.
No Shelf Control (THS Book Club): Fosters an inclusive community of students who love reading.
Operation Smile: Creates awareness and volunteers in support of medical patients.
Pearls of Tabb: Creates a safe space for confidence, life skills, and support.
Peer Mentorship: Connects students with peer mentors for academic, social, emotional support.
Pickleball Club: Promotes healthy outdoor activity through noncompetitive weekly pickleball.
Plant the Moon: Global challenge to grow crops in lunar or Martian soil.
Poetry Club: Explores poetry through reading, writing, critiquing, and discussion without grading.
Pokemon Club: Uses Pokémon mechanics to boost engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Principal’s Advisory Board: Gives students a voice and direct access to the principal.
Psychology Club: Extracurricular activity for students meeting after school on Tuesdays.
Quill and Scroll: Supports and honors journalism skills and expertise through yearbook production.
Quill and Scroll Honor Society - Senior Literary Magazine Division: Supports producing the school literary magazine and nurtures creative writing.
Rho Kappa: Honor society for students exploring and promoting social studies.
Rubics Cube Club: Students practice and perfect the rubics cube together.
SCA: Student council focused on leadership, service, student voice, and engagement.
Science Fair Club: Develops scientific inquiry, research, and communication skills through independent projects.
Science National Honor Society: Recognizes students excelling in science and fosters community among members.
Sculpture Club: Art studio workshop working with clay and glaze or paint.
Senior class: Increases school spirit, raises funds, organizes senior events.
Sight & Sound: Provides sound and lighting support for school and community activities.
Songwriting Club: Students write lyrics and beats and host open mic nights.
Sophomore Class: Supports the class of 2028 through fundraising and a BBQ.
Spanish National Honor Society: Promotes Spanish language and culture and community involvement.
Sport Club: Lets students explore sports while building fitness, teamwork, and leadership.
Student Ambassadors: Gives new students school information, connections, and a friendly face.
Symphonic Band: Performs winter, assessment, and spring concerts, plus an optional trip.
The Safety Club: Promotes safe driving through awareness during peak times.
Thespians/Theatre: Theatre honor society to appreciate, enjoy, and pursue theatre opportunities.
THS Medical Club: Raises awareness of medical-field opportunities after high school.
Tiger Pride: Supports LGBTQ+ students and allies through service, outreach, and community.
Tri-M Music Honor Society: Inspires music participation, scholarship, service, and leadership among music students.
Turning Point, USA: Aims to model positive civic participation and constructive dialogue.
Unified Tigers: Celebrates inclusion, builds friendships, and spreads school spirit every day.
Virginia Math League: Inspires students through problem-solving and math competition across Virginia schools.
Winter Play: Performs a winter play in January at THS.
Y Street: Volunteer initiative preventing obesity, tobacco, and e-cigarette use among youth.
Yearbook: Produces the yearbook, building photography, interviewing, writing, and editing skills.
Youth Volunteer Corps: Engages youth ages 11-18 in meaningful volunteer opportunities.
York High School
Art Club: Open studio space for students to explore art mediums.
Asian American Pacific Islander Club: Spreads awareness of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and customs.
Book Club
Dungeons and Dragons club: Play Dungeons and Dragons to build social and leadership skills.
English Honor Society: Recognizes outstanding accomplishments in English, with a new-member induction.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Connects Christian athletes and others interested in learning more.
French National Honor Society: Promotes learning and using French through school and community activities.
German Honor Society
Green Team: Promotes environmental awareness through recycling posters and cleanups.
International Thespian Society (Drama Club): Builds a collaborative community around creating theatrical performances.
Junior Class Council: Supports the junior class through homecoming, fundraising, and Junior Prom.
Library Advisory Council: Student leaders share ideas and promote the Learning Commons.
Literary Magazine (Creative Writing Club): Creative writing club developing skills and submitting work to VHSL.
Makerspace and Robotics: Gives hands-on STEM experience through 3-D printing and engineering challenges.
Maritime club - Falcons by the Sea: Promotes maritime activities and careers in Virginia, including guest lectures.
Military Kids Club: Connects students with similar military experiences via volunteering and tours.
Model UN: Develops communication, leadership, and negotiation skills through international diplomacy.
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society): Pursues math interest through Math League tests, tutoring, and volunteering.
National Art Honor Society
National Honor Society: Promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and character among high school students.
SCA: Promotes school and community service, spirit, and student engagement.
Science National Honor Society: Promotes science through monthly peer lectures and additional speakers.
Senior Class Council: Represents and promotes the senior class of 2027.
Show Choir: Creates entertaining musical performances that tell stories and engage audiences.
Spanish Honor Society: Builds a cultural bridge between Hispanic and American cultures.
Tri M Music Honor Society: Music honor society for students excelling academically and musically.
Winterguard: Develops colorguard shows to compete in the Atlantic Indoor Association.
World Language Club: Sparks interest in languages and world cultures, with practice space.
Young Leaders Association: Builds young leaders through mentoring, leadership training, and community service.
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC): Connects students to volunteer opportunities and community service-learning projects.
York River Academy
Art Club: Explores various art forms without grading through student-selected projects.
Cyber Technology Club: Lets students explore computing skills and compete at statewide competitions.
Environmental Club: Students develop skills in growing gardens, greenhouse operations, and hydroponics.
ESports: Competitive gaming within a supported and safe school environment.
Principal Advisory: Provides leadership and support for the school, including spirit weeks.
School News and Magazine: Develops daily announcements and a quarterly student newsmagazine.
Sewing Club: Teaches basic sewing skills for cosplay outfits and personal items.
Strategic Gaming: Teaches strategic gaming skills across D&D, chess, mahjong, and others.
Wellness Club: Students explore self care, mindful practices, and healthy recipes.
[name not stated]: Coed athletic participation for health and fun, meeting twice monthly.
School Board approves FY27 list of 70 overnight field trips
FY27 overnight field trips total 70 across division-wide events and seven schools, mostly competitions, conferences, and honor ensembles; twelve schools reported none.
All
Department of Special Education: PERT trip and Career Seminar supporting transition plans for students with disabilities.
International Science & Engineering Fair: Regeneron competition in Los Angeles for students advancing from State.
Odyssey of the Mind: World Finals at Michigan State University; State Finals.
Virginia State Science & Engineering Fair: State fair in Charlottesville; students set up Friday, compete Saturday.
Bethel Manor Elementary School
Amazing Shake Competition: National competition at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bruton High School
FBLA: State competition in Fredericksburg, Virginia; National competition in Columbus, Ohio.
Music Dept (Band and Chorus): Adjudicated performances at Music in the Parks, Hershey Park, PA.
SOA: Southeastern Theatre Conference in Lexington, Kentucky; Virginia Theatre Conference one-act competition and workshops.
Virginia History Day Club/National History Day: National History Day at University of Maryland for advancing students.
Grafton High School
Band: All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble and All-Virginia Band honors events; spring trip to Orlando.
Cheer: Training and team-building camp.
Chorus: VMEA Senior Honors Choir and All-State Chorus in Richmond; Music in the Parks, Pigeon Forge, TN.
Drama Club: Virginia Thespian Festival in McLean: competition, workshops, colleges, professional connections.
FBLA: State events at Kalahari Resorts in Spotsylvania, Virginia; national events in Columbus, Ohio.
Girls Basketball: Training and team-building camp at Liberty University, July 2027.
Model UN: Model UN conference at Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia.
Rho Kappa: National History Day competition for ten students, rental van travel.
Robotics: Three Override competitions in Woodbridge and Manassas, Virginia, from November to February.
Track team: Outdoor track competition at the Penn Relays, University of Pennsylvania.
Yearbook: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Conference: training, networking, awards.
Grafton Middle School
First Lego League: Out-of-town First Lego League team competition in December.
Mt. Vernon Elementary School
First Lego League: Out-of-town First Lego League team competition in December.
Tabb High School
Band: Honor bands, All-Virginia auditions and event, summer camp, and four college marching band days.
Chorus: VMEA Honor Choir; All-Virginia Chorus rehearsals and performance in Richmond.
DE US History: Saylor’s Creek Battlefield and Moton Museum visits connected to curriculum.
DECA: State leadership conference and competition; competitive events in Anaheim, California.
Drama/One Acts: State one-act competition with hotel stay and PVCC in Charlottesville.
Drama/Thespians: Virginia Thespian Festival in McLean, Virginia; New York City trip.
Football: Team camp at Christchurch boarding school in Middlesex County.
Forensics: Forensics State Championships at Salem High School with hotel stay.
FPLA: State conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia; national conference in Columbus, Ohio.
KidWind: KidWind Worlds engineering competition on wind and solar.
Model UN: ODU conference in Norfolk, Virginia; University of Maryland conference in College Park.
NJROTC: National Air Rifle, All-Service Air Rifle, Orienteering, and Brain Brawl championships, if qualified.
York High School
IB World Language: French and Spanish culture trip to MOMA and Times Square.
International Thespian Society: International Thespian Festival in McLean, Virginia; Midwest festival for Virginia award winners.
Model UN: ODU Model UN Conference at Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, Virginia.
NJROTC: Drill nationals if groups advance; Basic Leadership training.
YHS Choir: VMEA Senior Honors Choir and All-Virginia Choir in Richmond, Virginia.