We will have an 11:30 AM dismissal on Friday, October 9, while our teachers attend an In-Service. Buses will adjust their schedules for the earlier pickup time. We ask parents to also pick-up car riders by 11:30 AM. 

School is closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. 

Students were photographed by Legacy Studios the first week of school. These photos were used for student IDs which the students have already received and will appear in the yearbook at the end of the school year. You may now view and purchase the photo through the secure Legacy website at https://legacyfindmycode.com/. Use your child’s 9-digit student ID number for access.  Purchased photo packages are shipped within a few weeks. If there is ever an error with your photo order, please contact Legacy at customercare@legacystudios.com. Their Customer Service Department will be best equipped to correct your order or answer your questions. 

If you would like your child’s photo to be retaken, Retake Day is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at York Catholic. No appointment is needed. Students will be called to the photography area throughout the morning.

In order to maintain the lowest tuition fee possible, each family is asked to participate in 2 fundraisers per year (actual cost per pupil is over $14,500.00).  

Opportunities for YC Christmas Cash are on sale now through October 23 for $30 each. Each chance purchased will have a four-digit number and will enter the buyer in a daily drawing for the month of December. Each day of December has a different payout assigned. When we pull a purchaser’s number on a specific date in December, they will win the amount noted on that date. Every purchaser has 31 chances to win, coordinating with the 31 days of the month. Winners will be posted on the YC website, www.yorkcatholic.org, and will be notified by email. The winner does not need to be present to win. Winning raffle amounts will be mailed weekly. 

All orders will be placed online through the YC website from October 2-23. Numbered December calendars labeled with the purchaser's name will be sent home to the selling family for distribution in mid-November.  

If you have any questions about YC Christmas Cash, please contact Laura Burkey at lburkey@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1323.

Thank you in advance for making this a successful fall fundraiser! 

The following seniors were commissioned as our student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They will assist Father St. Denis in distributing Holy Communion at our school Masses this year. Shown left to right: Sean Melhorn, Joshua Liptak, Anthony Zelis, Father St. Denis, James Lewis, Nicholas Struck, Daegen Vieten.

7th Grade Student Council Reps

Congratulations to the following 7th grade students who have been elected to Student Council for the 2026-27 school year (show left to right): Cillian Reisenweber, Arabella Brandt, Catherine Iroabuchi, Sophie Summers, Maryjane Swope, Gwen Trump, Luci Fernandez.

Welcome to our new Advancement Associate, Mallory Cleere. Mallory will be assisting the Advancement Department with donor and alumni relations, enrollment, and communications. Welcome Mallory!

In preparation for the colder months ahead, we have updated our "One Call Now" Emergency Notification System.  In the event our school schedule is adjusted due to weather, a phone call and an email will be sent to the contact information we have on file. 

A text option is also available.  If you opted-in to receive text messages last school year, you do not need to do anything additional.  If you would like to begin receiving text messages this year, you must "opt-in" to receive text notification. 

To do so, text the word ALERT to the number 22300.  Do not include any words other than the word ALERT.  

After doing so, you will no longer receive a phone call at that number and will only receive a text message. 

If you do not want to receive text notification, you do not have to do anything.  Your phone number and email address from our Focus system have automatically been entered into the One Call Now system.

The October Mission Collection will be held in homerooms on Wednesday, October 14, and will support the Black and Indian Mission Collection (BIMC) to help communities build the Church and preach the Gospel of Jesus among the African American, Native American, and Alaska Native people of God.  Every year, the Black and Indian Mission Office supports the following important priorities: Enliven Parish Life & Catechesis, Help Educators Reach Kids, Encourage Vocations, and Empowering Evangelizers.  We consistently get money year after year from the BIMC, and we wish to show our thanks through a generous mission collection for their organization.

Sunday, October 18  

12-2 PM 

Register to attend our upcoming Open House and join us for a look at the York Catholic Middle & High School experience. Learn what life at our school is like and see all we have to offer students (grades 7-12) and their families. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Click here to pre-register ➡ 

https://yorkcatholic.org/admissions/open-house/

What You’ll Experience at York Catholic’s Open House Event: 

• Take a tour of the newly renovated campus. 
• Talk with York Catholic teachers and administrators. 
• Meet current students and hear their experiences. 
• Learn about the 45+ sports and 60+ activities available. 

Did You Know? 

Students in York Catholic’s class of 2026 were offered over $14 million dollars in higher education scholarships! Join us to learn how York Catholic sets students up for success and creates a place where every student is known and cared for. 

Reserve your spot today! We hope to see you there!

The York Catholic Athletic Booster Club is hosting "Night at the Races" on Saturday, October 24, at YC. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Post time is 6:15 PM. Join us for 8 simulcast horse races, silent auction, raffles, rip tickets, and all you can eat food and beverages with catering by GingerBabies for $40 per person or $75 per couple. 

Fun sponsorship opportunities are available.  You can buy a table, name a race, and name your horse(s).  Volunteer opportunities are also available! Dress is casual. This event is for ages 21+. 

Please support one of our biggest fundraising events and come prepared to play and have fun while supporting YC Athletics.  

Click here for the flyer. 

Click here for a paper ticket order form. 

Click here for an electronic ticket order form https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094EABAD2AA5FD0-64862050-york

Click here for sponsorship opportunities.  

If you have any questions, contact Laurie Moir at 717-846-8871 x1322 or lmoir@yorkcatholic.org.

All York Catholic juniors will take the PSAT online on Wednesday, October 14.  York Catholic takes care of registration and payment for this test.  The test will begin at 8:30 AM; students who arrive late to school on testing day will not be permitted to take the exam. 

For best results on the PSAT, students should have a good night's rest and eat a good breakfast on testing day.  Students need to come prepared with a fully charged Chromebook and a graphic or scientific calculator.  The PSAT tests students on Reading, Writing, and Math, and is an invaluable practice test preceding the SAT.  Students are encouraged to visit Khan Academy for online practice tests in advance of the test.

College Reps Visiting YC

The York Catholic Guidance Office is hosting numerous admissions representatives from colleges and universities to speak to our students about their schools. These presentations are for informational purposes and questions and answers, not Admissions interviews. Students in grades 11 and 12 should check their Google Classrooms for scheduled visits and sign up in the guidance office to attend the presentations. Here are some of the colleges visiting YC. More will be added in the coming weeks:

10/13: University of Delaware

10/15: LaSalle University

10/16: Gettysburg College

10/21: Loyola University

10/22: Marywood University

10/23: Catholic University of America

10/23: Arcadia University

10/29: Kutztown University (Instant Decision Day)

11/11: Albright College

11/12: Randolph Macon College

11/16: Alvernia University

YCAL Partnership

The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), is an organization unique to York County, offering students free career exploration and job shadowing opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. With the goal of helping students make informed career decisions, YCAL’s programming is diverse and offered at different on-site host locations. Last year, York Catholic had over 24 students participate in the program. This fall, YCAL is offering exploration opportunities in the following career fields: accounting, agriculture, automotive, aviation, financial services, government, health care, law, court reporting, criminal justice & forensics, entrepreneurship. media, marketing & social media, performance arts, psychology, veterinary science. Apply now at https://ycal.us/students/mentoring-program/. Seats are limited so apply early! Students will then be notified via email if they have been accepted into the program 2 weeks before the start of each program. Please reach out to Dr. Barto if you have any questions. 

WellSpan Health Careers Youth Summit

WellSpan Health is hosting a Health Careers Youth Summit Saturday, October 24, from 8 AM-4:30 PM at the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center on the campus of York College. Students will have the opportunity to discover the possibilities of a career in healthcare through hands-on activities and live simulations. Middle and high school students and their parents/guardians can connect with WellSpan professionals, learn by doing, and explore a range of career pathways. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendance is free, but registration is required by clicking the button below.

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:

Hood College

Frederick, MD

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

Read their guaranteed admissions criteria here:  

https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Guidance-Hood-College.pdf

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

In preparation for changing the uniform dress code for the 1st and 2nd marking periods on November 2, York Catholic is hosting a uniform exchange on October 14 from 3:30-5 PM at the high school. 

The 7th & 8th Grade students are invited to the Middle School Dance on Friday, October 16, from 7-9 PM in the cafeteria. 

Tickets are on sale during homeroom October 13-16. Cost is $6 in advance and $8 at the door. This is a casual, not formal dance. Please refer to the After-school Dress Code guidelines on pages 19-20 in the Student Handbook/Agenda. 

The York Catholic Yearbook captures memories of student activities and campus life throughout the 2026-27 school year for students in grades 7-12. NOW is the time to place your order for a 2027 yearbook! Yearbooks will be distributed in May. All orders are taken by phone by calling the Balfour ordering line at 1-800-944-5930 or by clicking the button below. 

Yearbook - Senior Tributes

There will be a special section of the 2027 yearbook reserved only for parents of seniors to send a message to their graduating son or daughter. It is a great keepsake and a wonderful way to congratulate your child for all of their years of hard work. The rectangular space costs $25 and can be in full color with a total of 30 words and 1 picture. Please click the button below for the Class of 2027 Yearbook Shoutout online form where you can include your message, upload a photo, and complete your payment all in one stop. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30.  

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/

Parents of music and choral students are welcome to attend the York Catholic Music Association meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at 8 PM. 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.

Please support our fall student-athletes who are competing in post-season play. Check the YC website’s News & Announcements page for updates. 

Golf

• 10/19-21 - PIAA Tournament 

Girls Tennis

• 10/7-9 - SCAC Tennis Singles
• 10/7-9 - SCAC Tennis Doubles
• 10/13, 15, 19, 21 - District Tennis Team
• 10/16-17 - District Tennis Singles
• 10/23-24 - District Tennis Doubles
• 10/21, 24, 25 - PIAA Tennis Team
• 10/31, 11/1 - PIAA Tennis Singles
• 10/31, 11/1 - PIAA Tennis Doubles

Cross Country

• 10/17 - SCAC Championships
• 10/31 - District Championships 
• 11/7 - State Championships 

Boys Soccer 

• 10/17, 20, 22 - SCAC Tournament
• 10/26, 28, 31, 11/4 - District Tournament
• 11/10, 14, 17, 20 - PIAA Tournament

Girls Soccer

• 10/17, 20, 22 - SCAC Tournament
• 10/26, 28, 31, 11/4 - District Tournament
• 11/10, 14, 17, 20 - PIAA Tournament

Girls Volleyball

• 10/19-21 - SCAC Tournament
• 11/2, 11/5 - District Tournament
• 11/3, 11/7, 11/10, 11/14 - PIAA Tournament

Football

• 11/6, 13 - District Tournament
• 11/21-22, 11/27-28, 12/4-5, 11 - PIAA Tournament

Cheer

• 11/9 - SCAC Championships @ Spring Grove at 6 PM
• TBD - District Championships
• TBD - PIAA Championships

Practices Begin

All high school winter sports teams will begin practices Friday, November 20. For exact practice times, contact the head coach or Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1330.

Online Sports Forms/Physicals  

Students who played on a York Catholic Fall 2026 sports team:

If your fall season has ended, you will be receiving an email the week of October 26 that contains a link to complete the required recertification forms through ArbiterSports/FamilyID.com. You do not need to complete anything until you receive that email. If your fall season is still in post-season play, you will receive the email at the close of your fall season.

Students who did not play on a York Catholic Fall 2026 sports team:

Parents of athletes who wish to play a winter sport and did not participate in a fall sport must complete the required online forms at ArbiterSports/FamilyID.com. 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: 

https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ArbiterLive-FamilyID-Overview-2026-27.pdf

Students wishing to participate in winter athletics during the 2026-27 school year must have their required forms filed online at ArbiterSports/FamilyID no later than Wednesday, November 11, at 3 PM.

Student-athletes are reminded that a physical 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 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 Wednesday, November 11, at 3 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1330

Failure to complete the online forms and upload your physical 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.

PIAA Officials Appreciation Week is October 4-10. While you’re cheering for our athletes, give a cheer for those who dedicate their time so our students can play the game they love. Visit piaa.org to find out you can become an official too. 

Partner school students in grades 1-6 are invited to Futures Games at York Catholic! Come out and be part of the team as you cheer for your future school! Spend time with the varsity players and coaches, listen to coach’s pre-game instruction, participate in team prayer, and pose with the team for a picture. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Please register at https://yorkcatholic.org/futures-events/.  

• Football – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:15 PM (stadium)
• Cheerleading – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:15 PM (stadium)
• Marching Band – Oct 9 - arrive by 5:30 PM (band room)

The York Catholic Student Council invites all children ages 12 and under to attend this year's Fall Fest Wednesday, October 28, from 6-8 PM at York Catholic. Children will have the opportunity to go trick-or-treating throughout the school and play Fall themed games. Costumes are encouraged! 

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.
• Families may only be referred by one other family. The credit is received by the first referring family.
• 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/2026/08/spe-joinder-agreement-fall-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.

York Catholic Families are Invited

Mr. Robert High, Director of Technology at St. Rose of Lima School, will host a special presentation for parents about internet safety and how parents can better protect their children while online on Sunday, October 18, at 1 PM, at St. Rose School in Thomasville.  This incredibly informative presentation will offer information, tips, and time for questions.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 16, by calling the School Office at 717-792-0889.