York Academy Families:

There have been so many festive things happening in our schools. From Winter Spirit Week to outstanding concerts to a College Fair and Door Decorating Contest, our students, teachers, and staff continue to do great things!

In addition, Upper School musicians, vocalists, dancers, and actors are excited to perform for you tonight at our "Knights of the Arts" showcase. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. Come see them shine!

I'm also proud to share that two of our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members got the tremendous news that they'll be advancing to the state level competition in their categories. You can read more below.

Lastly, I would like to wish you a wonderful Holiday Season filled with good health and cheer. I hope you have the opportunity to relax, reflect and spend time with those you love.

Happy Holidays,

Dr. Lowe

Winter Spirit Week Continues Tomorrow and Friday!

There are two more days of Winter Spirit Week! Let's go, Knights!

The Upper School December House Challenge ends on Friday! Students are encouraged to bring in new coloring books for Caitlin’s Smiles. Please note that they should not be holiday or religious themed. Students may place the coloring books in the boxes inside Door 12. The House that collects the most will earn a holiday treat!

Caitlin’s Smiles is a local nonprofit that provides bags of craft supplies and activities for children in hospitals. Being in the hospital is hard, and coloring provides a calming activity for them. Mrs. Alvarnaz and her family have a personal connection to Caitlin’s Smiles and know first-hand the meaningful impact of their mission.

This year, Caitlin’s Smiles has a goal to collect 33,000 coloring books for kids ages 2 -17 (teen patients, too). Let’s help put a dent in that number and bring some joy to hospitalized children! 

Upper School Students Attend 2nd Annual College Fair

All Upper School students (7-12) attended today’s Second Annual College Fair. They had the chance to talk with representatives from over 14 colleges, universities, and branches of the military to find out what programs they offer and gather information.

The goal of the College Fair was to inspire the students to think about furthering their education and get excited about the future!

Many thanks to School Counselor, Ms. Reid for coordinating this outstanding event!

Save These Dates:

Holiday Break runs from this Friday afternoon's Early Dismissal to Tuesday, January 2. Enjoy the time off, Knights!

The following events are happening on Friday January 5:

• PTO Dress Down Day and Lower School House DRIP Day!
• Lower School students should wear their House colors from head to toe and bring a $1 donation to benefit the York Academy PTO.
• Upper School students do not have a House DRIP Day but may dress down (school-appropriate attire) with a $1 donation to the PTO.
• Parents' Night Out: 6 - 9 p.m. at the Upper School
• End of Term 2 (Report Cards on January 12)

Items Needed to Cover Our Mitten Tree and Help Others

Our Lower School Mitten Tree is not very full, and your help to cover it with color and kindness would be greatly appreciated! Donations of mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats are needed for those in our school community and local nonprofits. Store bought items (ex. Dollar Store) or those made with love would be wonderful!

Donations will be accepted through Friday, December 29. You may send them to school with your child through Friday or drop them off at the office over the break. Thank you for considering this opportunity to provide a little extra care for those in need at the holidays!

Apply in February for the 2024-2025 School Year

Applications will be accepted for the 2024-25 school year from February 1 – March 31. Please tell your friends and family!

Even if your child is on the 2023-24 waiting list, you must go through the application process again. This is because Charter School Law does not allow schools to roll over applications from year to year. In addition, if your children are already enrolled at the York Academy, and you’d like their siblings to start kindergarten (or another grade), you must complete the application for them.

Information Sessions will be held at the Lower School on:

• Saturday, February 17 at 9 a.m.
• Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Families will be able to ask questions, tour the Lower School, and learn about the application process. They do not need to RSVP, and children are welcome.

Questions? Contact Kim at kbrennerzirkle@yorkarcs.org or (717) 801-3900, ext. 4312. We look forward to meeting many future Knights!

York Academy Regional Charter School

An International Baccalaureate World School

Lower School (K-6): 717- 801-3900 | Upper School (7-12): 717-900-5001

Diverse learners. Collaborative thinkers. Bright futures