Summer office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 AM-3 PM.

The Irish Eye e-newsletter continues each week throughout the summer. Please be sure to check your email for important information every Thursday!  

If you don't see the Irish Eye in your Inbox, please check your Spam folder and mark info@yorkcatholic.org as a safe sender.

As you scroll through this e-newsletter, it is likely your email is “clipped,” meaning there is more to see once you get to the bottom of your email message. Look for “[Message clipped] View entire message” at the bottom of your email message and click on “view entire message” to see the complete e-newsletter.

In preparation for the 2026-27 school year, families with students currently in grades 7-11 are reminded to pay their re-enrollment fee in their Simple Tuition Solutions (STS) portal if they haven’t already done so. Click here for more information about your tuition contribution for the 2026-27 school year, as well as YC’s Family Customized Tuition program that helps make tuition affordable for all families. If you have not already applied for Family Customized Tuition for the 2026-27 school year, please be sure to do so as soon as possible through Simple Tuition Solutions (click the button below or click on the Simple Tuition Solutions icon at the bottom of the York Catholic website home page). If you require assistance in completing this application, you may contact our Business Office Manager, Ms. Heather Dougherty, at hdougherty@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1315.

In addition, please be reminded of our family referral program which provides up to $550 in credits toward YC tuition. Click here for more information and thank you for continuing to spread the good news of a YC education.

Here is a checklist of items that need to be completed for the upcoming school year by Thursday, July 30. If you’ve already completed the checklist, thank you! If you still have items to complete, please do so now. More information about the items with an asterisk can be found in this newsletter.

Required for All

• STS Re-enrollment or Enrollment*
• STS Tuition Plan Set-up

Other Forms

• Student Agreement (this was mailed to you if applicable)
• Immunizations Form* (all new students & any updates since 2025-26 school year)
• School Physical Form* (all new students & incoming Grade 11 students)
• Allergy Form* (Epi-pen or Inhaler) (if applicable)
• Prescription Medication Form* (if applicable)
• Dental Form* (all incoming 7th grade students)
• School District Bus Forms* (for all students needing bus transportation)
• Athletic Physical Forms* (Family ID) (for all students planning to play a fall sport)
• Athletic Fall Program Ads* (optional for parents of Grade 12 students involved in any sport or marching band)
• PIAA Transfer Form (New 10-12th grade students who plan to play sports. This was mailed to you if applicable.)
• Marching Band Physical Forms* (FamilyID) (for any student participating in marching band)
• Retreat - Grade 12 (FamilyID & STS) (for all Grade 12 students & parents) (this was emailed to you)
• Schedule Senior Picture* (for all Grade 12 students who did not get their yearbook picture taken in June)

York Catholic welcomes families new to the YC experience! Join us at orientation!

New Parents (Grades 7-12) who did not attend June Orientation

Thursday, August 6, from 6-7 PM

Please click the button below to register.

New Students (Grades 8-12) 

Thursday, August 6, from 6-7 PM

Please click the button below to register.

New Students (Grade 7)

Monday, August 24, from 8:15 AM-3 PM

7th grade students can get a head start by reading the Middle School Survival Guide that is full of useful information that will answer most of your questions as you get ready for 7th grade at YC! Click here for the Middle School Survival Guide.

Purchase school uniforms before August 1 to make sure your student has everything he or she needs for the first day of school. FlynnO’Hara Uniforms can be ordered at https://flynnohara.com/shop/york-catholic-school-pa096/. Complete details can be found at: 

https://yorkcatholic.org/parents-students/middle-school-uniforms/

https://yorkcatholic.org/parents-students/high-school-uniforms/

Join the FlynnO’Hara email list at https://flynnohara.com/join-our-email-list/ to receive the following updates directly to

your inbox:

• Summer promotion details
• Uniform shopping reminders
• Important ordering deadlines
• Product and inventory updates
• School-specific uniform content

York Catholic’s School Code: PA096

Used Uniform Exchange

York Catholic is hosting a YC uniform exchange Thursday, August 6, from 4:30-6 PM. Used YC uniforms will be available at a discount. As you get rid of items that no longer fit, please consider donating them back to the school for our uniform exchange. Please do not send us items with stains/holes or that have been retired. Please drop them off at YC before August 6.   

Volunteers are always welcome for this event. If you are interested in helping, please contact Heather Hoffman at hhoffman@yorkcatholic.org.

Each year YC enters into a contract with a professional photographer for the senior pictures appearing in our yearbook. All senior yearbook photos must be taken by Legacy Studios. Pictures from any other photographer cannot be accepted for the yearbook. 

Most seniors had their pictures taken in June. If seniors were not able to schedulae their photo at that time or wish to have their picture re-taken, click the button below to schedule photo appointments for August 24 at York Catholic. Please arrive prior to your scheduled appointment so you are ready for your assigned time

Every senior must get their picture taken, however, seniors are under no obligation to purchase the photo. If desired, students can purchase yearbook photo packages from Legacy. Legacy contributes a portion of package purchases back to York Catholic.

Please observe the following guidelines regarding appearance for photos. All gentlemen must be clean shaven and wear a dress shirt, tie, and sport coat or suit jacket. Hair must be regulation length. No piercings are allowed. Ladies will be provided with a black shoulder drape for photos. Only necklaces and earrings are allowed for the yearbook picture of the young women. Hair must be of a natural color. No facial jewelry is permitted. Please reference pages 17-21 of the Student Handbook for further clarification.  

If you have any questions, please contact Legacy at 716-512-6336 or customercare@legacystudios.com.

Students in Grades 7 & 8 purchase textbooks for their Theology course. The texts will be used in class each day and then may be kept at the end of the year as a valuable reference for the future. The cost of the textbook is $25 and appears in your Simple Tuition Solutions (STS) account to be paid by August 10.  The Theology Department looks forward to guiding students in their faith development. 

If you have not received your bus transportation information from the school district where you live, please click on the link below to print and complete your form. Please be sure to mail your form to the school district where you reside by the deadline marked on the form.

• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Central York
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Dallastown
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Dover
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Eastern
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Northeastern
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Red Lion
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Southern York/Southeastern/Maryland
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: Spring Grove
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: West York
• Bus Transportation 2026-27: York Suburban

The following contains details about numerous medical forms that require a doctor’s signature and are required for the 2026-27 school year by Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 3 PM.

Forms can be found by clicking the buttons below and forms are also on the YC website at https://yorkcatholic.org/medical-requirements-for-2026-27/

If you have any questions about any of the medical requirements below, please contact the York Catholic school nurse at nurse@yorkcatholic.org.

Please note: The nurse is not scheduled to work throughout the summer, but will be checking email periodically. Please send her a detailed email with your questions.

Immunizations

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established school immunization requirements for all students. The regulations are intended to ensure that children attending school in PA are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. A child must have the required medically-appropriate vaccines or a plan to complete those vaccines or risk exclusion from school. 

Children in grades 7-12 need the following immunizations for attendance:

• 4 doses of tetanus * (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of diphtheria* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
• 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (usually given as MMR)
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
• 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
• 1st dose is given 11-15 years of age; a 2nd dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.
• If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) – age 11 or older

* Usually given as DTaP or DTP or DT or Td

RETURNING STUDENTS

If you submitted doctor’s documentation of the administration of these vaccines previously to the York Catholic nurse, you do not need to repeat this step unless an additional booster or immunization is needed or has been given in the past year. 

• Students entering grades 10, 11, & 12 – please note the dose requirements for the MCV vaccine.
• If any of the required immunizations will not be given by July 30, 2026, please email the school nurse the dates the immunizations are scheduled to be given or have your child’s physician email or fax the date and time of your child’s appointment on your physician’s office letterhead.

NEW STUDENTS

All new students must submit doctor’s documentation of the dates the above doses were administered to the York Catholic nurse.

• If any of the required immunizations will not be given by July 30, 2026, please email the school nurse the dates the immunizations are scheduled to be given or have your child’s physician email or fax the date and time of your child’s appointment on your physician’s office letterhead.

Under Pennsylvania state law, students without the required immunizations or a plan with scheduled dates of administration on file, cannot be admitted to school.

Immunization documentation from the student’s doctor must be emailed to the school nurse or dropped off in the main office by July 30, 2026. 

Physicals for New Students & 11th Graders

The School Health Law of Pennsylvania requires that all children must have a medical examination upon entry into grade 11. A medical examination is also required for those children who have transferred to York Catholic into any grade. Incoming 7th grade students who attended partner schools (Holy Trinity, St. John's, St. Joseph's, or St. Rose) will have their physical information forwarded from their schools. Incoming 7th graders who did not attend one of the York partner schools will need to submit a physical form signed by a doctor no later than July 30, 2026.

Please click the button below for the School Physical Form to be completed and signed by a private physician. Make your appointment NOW as most doctor’s offices have a 4-6 week back-up for appointment times. The athletic physical does NOT fulfill Pennsylvania’s School Physical requirement. This form requires a doctor's signature. Return the form to the school nurse no later than July 30, 2026.

Dental Exams for 7th Graders

The School Health Law of Pennsylvania requires that children receive a dental examination upon entry into grade 7. Please click the button below for the School Dental Form to be completed and signed by a private dentist. Make your appointment NOW as most dentist’s offices have a 4-6 week back-up for appointment times. This form requires a dentist's signature. Return the form to the school nurse no later than July 30, 2026.

Prescription Medications

If your child will need doses of prescription medication during the school day, please click on the button below to provide permission and details to the school nurse. This form requires a doctor's signature. Return the form to the school nurse no later than July 30, 2026.

Emergency Medication

If your child uses an inhaler or Epi-pen, please click on the button below to provide permission for your child to carry and administer these emergency medications and provide details to the school nurse. This form requires a doctor's signature. Return the form to the school nurse no later than July 30, 2026.

Summer Reading

The summer reading recommended book list ensures there is a topic for everyone’s interests, and that the summer read is a positive experience and a fun adventure. Our English Department invested time developing reading lists per grade level, to include a few classics, nonfiction, realistic and historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia. Take time with your student(s) to peruse the list, making sure their book choice meets with your parental approval. A synopsis is included with each title to assist with selection. Students will be asked to respond to a written prompt referencing their title once they are back in the classroom in late August. Honors students will still be expected to complete assigned reading above and beyond what is asked otherwise; those assignments are listed as well. We wish your family a safe and fun-filled summer, and invite all of you to pick up one of the titles listed to enjoy on the beach, by the pool, on a long car ride, or in a shady chair in the backyard. Happy reading, everyone! Click the button below for the class reading lists.

Summer Math

Keeping students' math skills strong during the summer months helps to avoid the "summer slide" and aids in less review time when school resumes. Students should complete the summer math work that corresponds with the class they will be entering in the fall. Assignments are due August 28. Click the button below for the assignments list.

YC’s guaranteed admissions program includes relationships with thirty prestigious colleges and universities who guarantee admission to YC students who meet the established academic performance criteria. These colleges and universities provide outstanding programs across a variety of subject areas and deliver memorable student experiences.

This week’s featured college partner is:

Ursinus College

Collegeville, PA

Visit their website at https://www.ursinus.edu/

Read their guaranteed admissions criteria here:  

https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/guidance-ursinus-college-agreement.pdf

To see the complete list of colleges and universities offering York Catholic students guaranteed admission, visit https://yorkcatholic.org/academics/college-career-prep/ 

The Student Supply List is now available for the upcoming school year. It is posted on the website and can also be accessed by clicking the button below. The Middle School list is sorted by grade. The High School list is sorted by subject and teacher. Teacher assignments will be noted on student schedules. Some teachers will announce the supplies needed for their classes on the first day the class meets.  

York Catholic Middle & High School has the following employment opportunities available:  

• Middle School Girls' Basketball Coach

Interested candidates can find details and application links at https://yorkcatholic.org/about/employment-opportunities/

Handbook & Forms

The Marching Band Handbook and required paperwork are available on the YC website in the Forms & Documents section. All required paper forms should already be turned in to the office. Please be sure to upload the physician-signed PIAA physical forms online at www.familyid.com by July 30 at 3 PM. Musicians will not be permitted to participate until paperwork is uploaded. Marching Band members use the same form as Athletics.

Parents who set-up a FamilyID account last year should continue to use the same ID and password to access your account. To set-up a new account, please click here for the instructions.

A PIAA physical is required to participate in Marching Band. Please be sure to complete the medical information online at www.familyID.com before arriving at your doctor’s office or urgent care center and only print the 2 sections indicated (sections 5 & 6) for the doctor to review and complete. PLEASE NOTE: in addition to completing Section 5 online, you will also need to complete the form that prints. The information saved in the computer does not print on the form. All physicals must be dated AFTER May 1, 2026. Co-payments apply. Physicals must be completed and uploaded to www.familyID.com no later than July 30 at 3 PM. 

York Catholic’s Music Association is hosting a take-out Chicken BBQ on Saturday, August 8, from 11 AM-1 PM at the high school. Cost is $15 and includes ½ chicken, baked potato, applesauce, and dinner roll/butter. All meals must be pre-ordered by July 22.

Parents of music and choral students are welcome to attend the York Catholic Music Association meeting on Tuesday, July 21, at 5 PM at YC. The meetings usually last approximately one hour and everyone’s input and feedback are welcomed and appreciated. Your help in planning and implementing the efforts of the YCMA are critical. 

Open Gyms

Many teams will be holding open gyms throughout the summer for informal practice time. Please contact the head coach for a schedule.

Fall Practices Open

Golf practice and varsity football heat acclimation practice begin Monday, August 10, with all other Fall sports teams beginning practice on Monday, August 17. For exact practice times, contact the head coach or Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1330.

Online Sports Forms

Students wishing to participate in fall athletics during the 2026-27 school year must have their required forms filed online at FamilyID no later than Thursday, July 30, at 3 PM; no exceptions. Parents who set-up a FamilyID account last year should continue to use the same ID and password to access your account. To set-up a new account, please click here for the instructions. 

Failure to complete the online forms by the deadline will mean the student will not be permitted to practice the first day of the season. For some sports, this could mean the student will not make the team.  

If you need technical assistance with FamilyID, contact support@arbitersports.com or 1-800-311-4060. Support is available 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, and messages will be returned promptly.

Physicals

Student-athletes are reminded that a PIAA physical dated after May 1, 2026, is required prior to the start of the sports season. Please be sure to complete the medical information online at www.familyID.com before arriving for physicals at YC or at your doctor's appointment and only print the 2 sections indicated (sections 5 & 6) for the doctor to review and complete. PLEASE NOTE: in addition to completing Section 5 online, you will also need to complete the form that prints. The information saved in the computer does not print on the form. All physicals must be dated AFTER May 1, 2026. Physicals must be completed and uploaded to www.familyID.com no later than July 30 at 3 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1330.   

York Catholic's Girls Lacrosse team is hosting a free Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinic on Monday, July 20, and Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30-7 PM at the YC stadium. This clinic is for girls in rising grades 1-8. Participants should bring all equipment (stick, mouth guard, goggles), and water. Registration is required by clicking the link below.

Don’t miss a minute of YC sports with an All-Year Sports Pass. Click the button below for the form. Go IRISH!

Please note:  

All York Catholic students are admitted free to all home sporting events when they present their student ID at the ticket counter. Students are scheduled to receive their IDs the first week of school. Students arriving at the athletic ticket counter without their student ID will be required to pay admission.

The YC Athletic Booster Club is coordinating the sports and band program publication, which will be sold at various home games and through the YC Athletic Department. 

Parents of seniors participating in any sport or marching band during the 2026-27 school year can purchase an ad to honor their child. Please click the button below.  

If you own a business and would like to promote it to our fans, please click the business button below.

The deadline to place an ad is Thursday, July 30, by 3 PM.  

For more information, contact Laurie Moir at lmoir@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1322.  

Thank you for your support of the Athletic Booster Club and our students. 

All skill levels are welcome at the York Catholic Golf Tournament on Monday, September 14, at Regents’ Glen Country Club. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM with a Shotgun Start at 9 AM. Click the button below to register by September 1. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to get your business recognized. Click the button below for more details and to register.  

Box Tops for Education

Check your boxed and canned goods for the Box Tops for Education logo and use the Box Tops app to scan your receipt. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to YC’s earnings online. Be sure to select York Catholic High School as your school of choice. Complete details can be found at https://www.boxtops4education.com/

Our current families are the heart of YC and we know those who know and love our school are our best ambassadors for sharing what sets the YC experience apart. Your referrals of new students and families who have not yet applied, help us grow our community of exceptional and diverse students, and we want to show our appreciation to you for recommending YC to your friends and family.

NOW EXPANDED

$250 Dual Tuition Credit

Referrals are a win/win for everyone involved. When you refer one new family to YC, you will receive a $250 tuition credit. The new family you referred will also receive the same credit.

BONUS REWARD

$300 Re-Enrollment Credit

Refer more, save more! YC families who refer four or more new families in one school year will receive a $300 credit to waive their re-enrollment fee for the following school year.

How It Works

Step #1: Share Your ❤️ for YC

Help spread the word about YC by sharing your experiences with family and friends.

Step #2: Make a Referral

There are a variety of convenient ways to share your referral.

• Online: Submit a referral using the button below.
• In-person: Pick up a form in the office and return it to share your new referral.

Step #3: Get Rewarded

After you submit a new referral, our admissions team will support your referred family throughout their consideration and admissions process. We will reach out to share your rewards following the referred student’s confirmed enrollment.

Program Details

• Referral forms can only be completed for new prospective families prior to their actual enrollment.
• A “referred student” only applies to a new student who does not currently attend a partner school.
• To receive referral rewards, referred new students must be accepted and attend YC through their first semester.
• The referral rewards are not available for referring your own children.
• Referral rewards are no-cash given, non-transferrable credits to a student’s tuition account.
• Credits will be applied at the start of the second full semester after the student is enrolled. Families who choose to pay tuition in full will receive their credits the following school year.
• The $250 Dual Tuition Credit will be spread as four credits applied to the months of February, March, April, and May.

Pennsylvania now allows individuals to take advantage of EITC Tax Credits (just as businesses can) whereby you have the opportunity to re-direct 90% of your personal state income taxes to York Catholic Middle & High School. 

The Special Purpose Entity (SPE) is based on tax liability, not income, therefore each taxpayer’s situation will differ. Participants must be PA residents where at least one spouse is employed or has an ownership interest in a PA for-profit business. An individual or couple filing jointly must have a state tax liability of $3,500 or more to participate. To see if you qualify for 2026, you can find your PA tax liability on Form PA-40 Line 12 of your 2025 tax return. 100% of participant contributions are distributed to the school. You have to pay these taxes regardless, so why not have a say in how your taxes are allocated? Additionally, you will receive at least a 10% personal deduction on your federal taxes. The money you re-direct to York Catholic is for educational purposes, specifically tuition assistance.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your tax liability AND provide much needed assistance to York Catholic students, please follow these steps:

• Review information on the SPE program to determine if you qualify at https://www.pennsylvaniaeitc.org/frequently-asked-questions.html
• Confirm your personal state income tax liability with your accountant.
• Complete and submit the Joinder Agreement at https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/spe-joinder-agreement-spring-2026.pdf

For more information about this easy tax donation, please contact Laura Burkey, York Catholic Director of Advancement, at lburkey@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1323.

St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist Catholic School has the following employment positions for the 2026-2027 school year: Full Time K-6 Teachers, Part-Time & Full Time Preschool Teachers, Part-Time Kindergarten Aide, Part-Time Preschool Aide, Part-Time Technology Teacher, Part-Time Little Angels Extended Care Program and Substitute Teachers. Interested individuals may send cover letters and resumes to Mrs. Michelle Williams, Principal, at mwilliams@sjbnf.org and complete an online application at https://www.stjnschool.org/jobs.