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Yorktown Middle School Welcomes Back Students and Families
August 23, 2021 -- Hundreds of students and families -- all wearing masks -- showed up for the Yorktown Middle Back to School Bash last Thursday.
In one area, staff were passing out free backpacks and Yorktown t-shirts. In the auditorium, the principal was meeting with families. Down the hall, teachers were helping parents figure out Infinite Campus. In another classroom, teachers were showing parents how to get their students to be scholars at home.
“I’m elated at the turnout but not surprised given how hard my teachers and staff work with our families,” said Roderick Von Watson, Jr., Yorktown’s Principal.
In the library, some students were getting their nails done. A DJ was in the gym where students were playing basketball. Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Columbus Metropolitan Library, two District partners, had informational tables in the lobby. In the cafeteria, there was free dinner for students and families, pizza, or honey-baked ham.
“When you break bread with someone, they are more relaxed, more willing to talk and work with you,” said Watson. “After the year we’ve had with the pandemic, I want students and parents to feel supported and included so we can collaborate and make these young people better.”
Seventh-grader Marquis Jackson is one of the 400 students who attend Yorktown Middle School. Marquis and his dad showed up because it was the right thing to do.
“I wanted to pick up my class schedule and take a look around, so I’m not panicked on the first day,” said Marquis, who concluded his sixth-grade year with a 4.0 GPA.
“I am his father, so I wanted to meet the teachers and principals, take a look around so we can start the new school year off the right way,” Maurice Jackson said.
Both son and father also shared that the entire family has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I work around a lot of people, and my son is around a lot of people during his school day,” said Mr. Jackson. “I want to protect my family and teach my son how to do his part.”
Vicki Walker, an instrumental music teacher at Yorktown Middle School, was “blown away” by the turnout.
“It means everything to see all these students and parents,” said Walker. “After the pandemic, we want to give back to parents and students. Here at Yorktown, we try to take passion to a whole new level.”