Yorktown High School Charts a Course Toward Innovation

Beginning this year, students can come to Yorktown High School and leave as certified drone pilots.

“Introduction to Drones” is one of several innovative elective courses that has been introduced for the 2023-24 school year, reflecting the District’s commitment to provide students with new and exciting learning opportunities in a variety of fields. In recent years, the District has also added courses in areas such as engineering, arts, AP psychology, and app design.

Another exciting course this year is “Film as Literature,” which aims to foster an in-depth understanding of film in relation to literary elements. Taught by Michele Monaco, this course offers a deep dive into the nuances of filmmaking through classroom discussions, journaling, written critiques, and other projects. Additionally, students will align their cinematic exploration with relevant literature, delving into select film critiques, analytical essays, and insightful articles.

The Yorktown High School administrative team, along with teachers and students, enthusiastically showcased these new courses at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. Principal Joseph DeGennaro explained the importance of continually challenging students and introducing them to new fields, potentially sparking lifelong passions in burgeoning industries.

The “Introduction to Drones” course builds off the success of the high school’s Aeronautics Club, which was founded last year by Sharik Bose, now a junior. In its inaugural year, the YHS Aeronautics Club was one of a dozen teams in the country to qualify for the prestigious UAS4STEM competition. While the club continues its focus on developing an autonomous drone for competitions, the course emphasizes flying regulations and hands-on piloting in order to prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration’s drone certification exam. Teacher Daniel Moore envisions the course evolving and becoming more complex in the coming years. Additionally, Assistant Principal John Gollisz noted the soaring demand for professional drone pilots across diverse industries, such as real estate, construction, farming, and filmmaking.

Both courses are open to all high school students. “Introduction to Drones” is a year-long, half-credit course that meets two to three times per week. “Film as Literature” is a half-credit course that will begin in the second semester.

Superintendent Dr. Ron Hattar praised the teachers of these electives for embracing innovation and expanding students' learning horizons. He also commended the high school’s leadership for positioning the Yorktown Central School District as a national benchmark in educational innovation.