The Lowdown with Dr. Lowe |
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Hello Families:
I'd like to thank the York Academy PTO for helping to coordinate semi formal dances for our students last week. I loved seeing them dressed up, looking their best and having fun. Many thanks to the volunteers who helped to make the dances possible, and for the staff members who gave extra time to serve as chaperones.
We also have much to celebrate. It was National Librarian Appreciation Day on Monday, and we are thankful for all that Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Daniels do to assist students and encourage a love of reading.
In addition, this entire week is dedicated to honoring the significant contributions of assistant principals to student success. Assistant principals are vital to the workings of a school. They help lead instruction, assist with behavior issues, coordinate many details behind the scenes, and support teacher growth. Our Assistant Heads of Schools are Ms. Sipe (Lower School) and Dr. Overlander (Upper School). We are so fortunate at the York Academy to have such outstanding leadership in our buildings! When you see either of these administrators next, please let them know the reason you appreciate the valuable work they do.
Enjoy your evening,
Dr. Lowe
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PTO Meeting Tomorrow Night: Everyone is Welcome! |
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The next York Academy PTO meeting is happening tomorrow night (4/7) at 6 p.m. It will be held in the Lower School Media Center/Library on the 3rd floor.
Everyone is welcome! Come learn what exciting things are in the works for the rest of the school year and get involved. Childcare will be provided. We'd love to see you there!
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Come to the First Spanish Spelling Bee Tomorrow Night! |
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The first Upper School Spanish Spelling Bee started on Monday, and tomorrow night (4/7) at 6:30 p.m., the top contenders will compete for the win. They'd love to have your support! Please join us! |
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Sign In Reminder for Parents of Students Who Arrive Late |
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If your Lower School children are late to school, you must come into the office and sign them in. Please do not drop them off without doing so. Thank you!
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Knight Nod Achiever: Anthony Beaver |
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When we are caring, we show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the world around us.
Anthony's nominee describes him as a student with a kind soul. He cares about others, including his peers and staff. He also cares about his school. "If Anthony sees an issue like trash on the playground or rocks out of place, he takes action," she said. He also regularly asks the adults at the door how they're feeling and wishes them a good day. "He provides a warm and caring presence in his classroom, too."
Here's a big Knight Nod for being an excellent example of the caring attribute, Anthony. Keep it up!
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Don't Miss Parents' Night Out This Friday! |
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Join us for the next Parents' Night Out event this Friday (4/8) from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Upper School! Mrs. Chester and the Upper School students of York Academy's National Art Honor Society would love to spend the evening with your children while you go to dinner, catch a movie, or chill at home.
York Academy students in grades K-6 are invited. Siblings and friends/neighbors of YARCS who are not students are welcome as long as they are in kindergarten or older. There will be group games and activities in the gym and a cool down snack before everyone watches Big Hero 6 (PG) in the Dr. Dennis Baughman Center for Creative Expression/Black Box Theater.
Click below for more details and to register. All proceeds support the Upper School National Art Honor Society. We appreciate your help in advance!
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National School Librarian Appreciation Day |
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We recently celebrated National School Librarian Appreciation Day! This special holiday recognizes the professionals who keep the school library in working order and assist students. We're thankful for our wonderful librarians, Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Daniels. They make a difference by creating an environment where students can learn, grow and have fun! |
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Give Local York Challenge of the Grades! |
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Give Local York is coming on Friday, May 6! In 2021, Give Local York made history by raising $3.7 million for more than 300 nonprofits in our community - including the York Academy Foundation. This year, our goal is to raise $30,000 to benefit our students!
The Lower School Give Local Challenge of the Grades is happening now through May 6. This year, our grade levels will challenge each other to see how much we can raise as a school! Students are encouraged to bring in cash/change, and parents are welcome to give now or wait to donate online (on 5/6). The Upper School will be participating later this month, so watch for more details.
Here’s where the fun comes in! When the Lower School raises…
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$500: The top PRO point holder from each class will get to throw a water balloon at Mr. Goodwin!
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$1,000: Mr. Goodwin will get SLIMED
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$1,500: Two grade levels will have a movie party in the multipurpose room! To make it even based on the number of students per grade level, we will have two winners. One winner will be the top fundraising grade level from grades K-3 and the other will be the top fundraising grade level from grades 4-6.
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$2,000: Mr. Goodwin's hair will be dyed TEAL (and not the spray in kind that washes out)!
As a result of last year's Give Local York donations, the York Academy Foundation established an Endowment Fund at the York County Community Foundation to support students forever. The York Academy Foundation is also funding multiple upcoming senior class events and granting five scholarships to students in our first graduating class.
This year, we’re raising funds to support enrichment opportunities (ex. artist in residence and off campus college tours), scholarships (ex. college assessments and for tuition/books) and student-generated activities to recognize positive behaviors and strong academics.
Give Local York has become a movement that connects and impacts our entire community, and it’s incredible that York Academy is part of it. Let’s rally and make a difference for our students!
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PSSA Testing & Keystone Exams Are Coming! |
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PSSA testing for all students in grades 3 - 8 will be held from Monday, April 25 - Friday, May 6. Below is the breakdown by subject.
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Keystone Exams will be held for Upper School students from Monday, May 16 - Tuesday, May 24. All students are required to take the Keystone Exams to graduate. These exams will cover Algebra 1, Biology and Literature. Students will receive details about which Keystone test(s) they must take in the coming weeks. Here is the schedule: |
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It's important for your child to eat breakfast, arrive on time and be ready for school on exam days. In addition, students perform best when they're testing with their peers, as opposed to testing separately in make-up sessions. It's in their best interest to be in school on testing days, so make sure they are at YARCS unless they are sick. Please note that no educational trips will be approved for students during PSSA or Keystone exams. We appreciate your understanding!
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Social Media Lesson and Tips for Parents |
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Older children and teens are spending more time using digital devices and social media than ever before.
Mrs. Bonderowitz, our 7th and 8th grade Upper School School Counselor, designed a lesson for students around this topic. They identified the role of social media in their lives and reflected on its positive and negative effects. The students also discussed the importance of identifying and talking about "red flag feelings."
Here are four tips from Mrs. Bonderowitz to help you find a healthy social media balance that supports your child's well-being.
- Show interest in what your child is doing online.
- Help them recognize their screen time habits.
- Talk about their emotional health ("red flag feelings").
- Discuss what to do when they have negative feelings and how to set new screen time habits.
Please reach out to Mrs. Bonderowitz with any questions or let her know if she can support your child further at [email protected]. |
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York Academy’s 5th Annual “Chalk the Walk!” public art event will be held on Friday, May 27. This year we will re-establish our partnership with the Lower School Block Party, and “Chalk the Walk!” will be held in front of the Lower School once again!
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in this annual outdoor drawing adventure in which artists create sidewalk paintings using only chalk pastels. It is truly an out-of-classroom experience!
Since York Academy's first graduating class is moving on to college and adulthood, the theme is "On the Move!" It can be interpreted as moving forward in life or can be applied to any things that move. Be creative and show life in motion!
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Emergency Rent Assistance Program: Limited Reopening |
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From the School Counseling Department:
Are you facing eviction? Community Progress Council (CPC) has reopened the Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) on a limited basis.
Please see the following information from CPC:
At this time, CPC will only be opening to individuals facing eviction due to nonpayment of rent. They will not be providing utility assistance at this time or recertifying individuals for additional assistance without a pending eviction.
Individuals who have not yet applied for ERAP will be able to create an application through SurveyMonkey. If you have already been assisted in the past, contact [email protected] or a Resource Navigator at (717) 846-4600 to have your application reopened. Applicants may be eligible for their past due rent and up to three months of future rent without exceeding 12 months of assistance.
Applicants will be required to upload eviction documentation including Landlord/Tenant Complaint, Judgement or Lockout Notice. Notice to Quits will not be accepted.
If you need assistance completing the application or recommendation, you can make an appointment with an ERAP Specialist by emailing [email protected] or by speaking with a Resource Navigator. Appointments will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The CPC website has been updated with new information to reflect all changes to the program.
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National Art Honor Society to Host Craft Fair on 4/23 |
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The National Art Honor Society is hosting a Craft Fair fundraiser on Saturday, April 23rd from 12 - 3 p.m. in the Upper School cafeteria. Admission is free. Come visit local creative vendors, and view student artwork and pieces for purchase! Interested in hosting a table? Please click here or scan the QR code below.
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Class of 2022: Schedule of Events |
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The Class of 2022 is gearing up for graduation, and a number of exciting events are planned. Check out the schedule below. |
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Knights International Dutch Mill Bulbs Fundraiser |
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We are not sure about you, but the rain has Knights International students in full bloom! Students in Knights International are partnering with Dutch Mill Bulbs again this spring to help you get your flower beds colorful and lively. Dutch Mill Bulbs is a local business out of Hershey that specializes in all things relating to flowers. Please click below to view their full spring bulb collection. The deadline to place an order is Friday, April 29.
If you choose to make a purchase, please enter in our school specific code (17401SCHL) in step 3 of the checkout process to ensure that students of Knights International benefit from your purchase and support. Items purchased will be packaged the following business day for a speedy delivery directly to your doorstep! As always, Knights International appreciates your continued support.
Our seniors are only 69 days away from being on the ground in Spain!
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Order Your Upper School Yearbook by May 13 |
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Our first ever student-created yearbook for grades 7-12 is completed and will be published soon! Yearbooks cost $45 each, and are hardbound, 150-page books.
The deadline for online orders is May 13. A limited number of yearbooks will be available for in-person sales after they are delivered on May 20 for $50.
The yearbook is a meaningful keepsake for students to keep forever. Make sure to order yours online by May 13!
We appreciate your support.
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Join the York Academy Team! |
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If you love children and want to make a difference in their lives, we are looking for you! As an equal opportunity employer, we invite all qualified applicants to apply for the positions listed below. |
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Special Invitation for Kids Heart Challenge Participants |
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The American Heart Association and the Hershey Bears are thrilled to partner together once again to fight heart disease and stroke in our local communities!
This March and April, the Hershey Bears are inviting our Kids Heart Challenge school students and their families to the GIANT Center to enjoy a game and support the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign. The Hershey Bears will donate $3 from every ticket sold through their Life is Why campaign website to the American Heart Association. The dates of the games are:
- Saturday, April 9
- Sunday, April 10
- Sunday, April 17
- Saturday, April 23
- Sunday, April 24
Click below to reserve tickets for one of the above Life is Why games and find out how your family can support this campaign.
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If your child raised money to receive prizes, they should arrive sometime soon. The prizes will be distributed to your child here at school. If they did not receive any keychains for their donation, please reach out to Miss Kinard at [email protected].
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4/7
PTO Meeting
6 p.m.
Lower School Media Center/Library
Upper School Spanish Spelling Bee
6:30 p.m.
Black Box Theater
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4/8
Parents' Night Out
6 - 9 p.m.
Register Here
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4/15 & 4/18
No School (Holiday)
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York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001
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