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Get the Lowdown with Dr. Lowe

York Academy Families:


It's a wonderful time of the year, and our winter concerts make it even more joyful. I've had the opportunity to attend three concerts. They were equally a delight, and I'm continuously impressed by our students' talents and poise. Congrats to all involved, and to Mr. Gregory and Mr. Michael who inspire them each day.

In case you're not aware, juniors and seniors in the Diploma Programme (DP) Music Course are graded on their performance as part of the IB assessment "Presenting Music."


That's a requirement of the International Baccalaureate, and does not happen at other public schools. Students also have the opportunity to learn and perform multiple instruments - one more thing that sets the York Academy apart.

Please join me at our last concert, "Knights of the Arts," on Wednesday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper School Black Box Theatre. From vocal solos to Modern Band, dance, and theatrical performances, there will be something for everyone.


Lastly, our Winter Spirit Week starts on Monday! There are exciting themes for each day. Please make sure your children's outfits are school-appropriate before they leave the house. Those who choose not to participate in one or more days should wear the school uniform. I look forward to seeing our students use their creativity and embrace the festive themes. See below for more details.


Enjoy the afternoon,

Dr. Lowe

Deadline Tomorrow: PTO Gift Card Drive for Teacher/Staff

The PTO is holding a Gift Card Drive through TOMORROW to thank the teachers and staff for their hard work. The goal is to collect 160 gift cards so that each York Academy employee gets one! 


You can help by donating $5 or $10 gift cards to local restaurants, coffee shops, stores, or gas stations. Many more are needed, so if you are able, please sign up here. Don't have time to purchase a gift card? A note of holiday cheer and thanks from you/made by your student would be perfect!


Please drop off your gift card/note in either office by TOMORROW (12/15). Make sure to put everything in an envelope marked YARCS PTO Teacher/Staff Appreciation and include your name.


Questions? Email Andrea Hess or call/text her at (717) 891-0325. Thanks again for your continued support of our wonderful teachers and staff at the holidays!

Art Students Participate in Abstract Acrylic Workshop

Students in Mrs. Chester's Drawing and Painting Class (grades 9 & 10) and DP (grade 11) participated in an abstract acrylic workshop led by Philadelphia artist, Sally K. Eisenberg. The results are as diverse as the students themselves, and truly exemplify the creative potential in all of us when we allow ourselves to explore artmaking without preconceptions.


The students' works of art are part of an exhibition, and are hanging in the Black Box Theater for all to see. We hope you will view their work with a mind open to the many colors, textures, and spaces created by our students and get inspired to create in new ways, too.

Get Ready for Winter Spirit Week: Next Monday - Friday!

Winter Spirit Week is BACK- details below! All York Academy students are encouraged to get in on the fun! Don't forget to check the Dress Code Policy and make sure your children's outfits are school-appropriate. Click here and check out the Dress Down Days section. (Please note that there is no cost to participate since Spirit Week is separate from PTO Dress Down Days.)


Those who choose not to participate - even on a specific day - should wear the school uniform. Show us what you've got, Knights!

Mrs. Cunningham Presents at PA School Counselors Conference

Student Services Coordinator and Lower School Counselor, Mrs. Aislinn Cunningham was recently a presenter at the PA School Counselor Conferences. Counselors from all over the state attended the event.


She and Mrs. Krystal Reese Cornell presented about the importance of the Mentor/Mentee relationship for retention of school counselors in the education field. They also shared ways for counselors to grow as leaders in their school(s). The presentation was well received.


We are thankful for Mrs. Cunningham and the outstanding School Counseling Team at the York Academy!

Upper School House Challenge: Coloring Books for Caitlin's Smiles

Now through next Friday (12/22), the Upper School is collecting coloring books for their December House Challenge!


They will be donated to Caitlin's Smiles, a local nonprofit that provides bags of craft supplies and activities for children in hospitals. Staying overnight in the hospital is hard, and coloring provides a calming activity for them


Since kids of all ages like to color, books are needed for ages 2 - 17 (even teen patients). Please note that they should not be holiday or religious based.


Upper School students are encouraged to bring in new coloring books and place them in the boxes inside Door 12. The House that collects the most will earn a holiday treat on 12/22!


Caitlin's Smiles has a goal of collecting 33,000 coloring books. Let's help put a dent in that number and bring some smiles to hospitalized children!

College Fair Planned for All Upper School Students Next Week

Our second College Fair will be held on Wednesday, December 20! All Upper School students (7-12) will have the chance to talk with representatives from various colleges and universities, find out what programs they offer, and gather information.


The goal is to inspire the students to think about furthering their education and get excited about the future.


Questions? Email Upper School Counselor, Ms. Reid. 

Upper School Students Enjoy Cocoa Bar and Gingerbread

Each year, the Upper School has a Cocoa Bar for students. This year, there was even some gingerbread...just not the kind that comes to mind.


Our fantastic Food Services Director, known fondly as "Ms. Gina" (Arnold) took it to another level. She came to the school dressed as the Gingerbread man to surprise the students. Thanks for always bringing some joy and laughter to our students and staff!

Donate Items for the Lower School Mitten Tree to Help Others

Let's continue our Kindness Week momentum by donating items for the Lower School Mitten Tree! Now through the end of the month, please help us decorate it with mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats. You may provide store bought items or those made with love. When needed, these items will be taken from the tree and shared with members of our school community and local organizations.


If you would like to participate, please send any donations to school with your child or drop them off at the Lower School office. Thank you for considering this opportunity to provide a little extra care for those in need at the holidays!

YARCS Sponsors Artisan Award at Changemaker Celebration

The York Academy sponsored one of the seven individuals who received Changemaker Awards at the YCEA Changemaker Celebration last week. Dr. Lowe presented the Artisan Award to local artist Claudia Salazar. Six students attended with Dr. Lowe and Kim Brenner-Zirkle (Marketing & Development Coordinator). We were proud to be involved, and it was a valuable experience for the students.

PTO Meeting + Fundraiser at Primanti Brothers on 12/19

The next PTO Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 19 at 6 p.m. at the Lower School. Everyone is welcome. Come find out what's planned for 2024!

The next PTO Fundraiser is on Tuesday (12/19) at Primanti Bros. from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.! The PTO will receive 20% of the proceeds, but only if you give them a copy of the flyer below or show it on your phone at checkout. You can also order online with the code DINE2DONATE.


Save the date and plan to order lunch or make it a fun night out with the family!

REMINDER: Winter Spirit Week starts on Monday! (see above)


TUESDAY

DECEMBER 19


PTO Meeting

6 p.m.

Lower School


PTO Fundraiser at Primanti Bros.

11 a.m. - 11 p.m.



WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 20


Knights of the Arts Concert

6:30 p.m.

Upper School Black Box Theatre



FRIDAY

DECEMBER 22


Early Dismissal


Happy Holidays, Knights!


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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