As summer begins to wind down, I hope you have had the opportunity to relax, make lasting memories with family and friends, and recharge for the year ahead.

There is something truly special about the start of a new school year. It brings a renewed sense of excitement, fresh opportunities, and the promise of new experiences. Whether your child is joining York Academy for the first time or returning for another year, we are eager to welcome every student back to our classrooms.

The 2026–2027 school year is filled with possibilities. Together, we will continue to challenge our students academically, encourage them to grow as leaders and global citizens, and provide meaningful opportunities to explore their passions both inside and outside the classroom. From engaging learning experiences and House traditions to athletics, the arts, clubs, and community service, there is so much to look forward to in the months ahead.



Our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing for an outstanding school year, and we can’t wait to see our hallways filled once again with the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm that make York Academy such a special place.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with discovery, achievement, and unforgettable memories.

Welcome back, Knights—we’re excited to begin another incredible year together!

With appreciation,

Dr. Michael Lowe

Lower School Student

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminder

We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping our Lower School students safe and traffic moving smoothly during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. If you are dropping off or picking up your child from your vehicle without parking, please use our designated area on Cherry Lane. For everyone's safety, please avoid pulling up along school curbs, using the bus and van loading zones, or letting students in or out in the middle of the street. If you prefer to walk your child to or from the building, please park in available parking on the street or at Small's Field.

Thank you so much for your help in creating a safe environment for all of our children!

Connecting with the Community at the York Fair

From July 24 through July 31, York Academy stepped out into the community and set up shop at the annual York Fair!

We spent the week sharing the amazing accomplishments, programs, and opportunities that make York Academy such a unique place to learn and grow. Most of all, we loved seeing all the familiar faces! Thank you to all the students and families who stopped by our booth to chat, say hello, and show support. We are so proud to be part of this wonderful community!

How a College Visit Could Help Reduce Tuition Costs

Did you know that some colleges offer automatic scholarships just for visiting their campus with your family or friends? Many colleges award special visit scholarships to students who complete an official campus tour, apply for admission, and are accepted. These awards can add up to thousands of dollars toward your college education!

Below are examples of colleges that currently offer visit-based scholarships. Scholarship amounts, requirements, and deadlines may change, so always confirm details with the Admissions Office before your visit.

PENNSYLVANIA

$8,000 Over 4 Years:

• Susquehanna University

$4,000 Over 4 Years:

• Messiah University

• Allegheny College

• Point Park University

$1,000 Per Year or More:

• York College of Pennsylvania – $1,000 annually, with opportunities to increase the award through additional visits

$1,000:

• Westminster College

MARYLAND

$6,000 Over 4 Years:

• Goucher College

$4,000 Over 4 Years:

• McDaniel College

• Stevenson University

VIRGINIA

$4,000 Over 4 Years:

• Randolph College

$1,000

• Roanoke College:

• Hollins University (All Women's)

• Bridgewater College

NEW YORK

$4,000 Over 4 Years:

• Clarkson University

• Alfred University

• Mount Saint Mary College

• St. Lawrence University

$2,000 Over 4 Years:

• Marist University

$1,000:

• Dominican University of New York

• Nazareth University

Important Tips:

• Schedule your campus visit online in advance through the college's admissions website.

• Registering ahead of time ensures the college records your visit and can award any applicable visit scholarship.

• Most visit scholarships are awarded after you apply and are accepted.

• Scholarship amounts, requirements, and deadlines can change from year to year, so be sure to verify details directly with each college's Admissions Office.

Campus visits are a great way to explore colleges, meet current students, learn about academic programs, and potentially earn scholarship money at the same time. If you decide to visit any colleges, Mr. O would love to hear about your experience. Let me know where you go, what you liked, and what you thought of the campus!

Growing the Next Generation of Watershed Stewards at York Academy



By Roni Reed, York Academy Regional Charter School Science Teacher & Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward

The Future Master Watershed Steward Club at York Academy Regional Charter School exists to help students discover that environmental stewardship is more than a lesson in a classroom; it's an experience. Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, nineteen students in grades 10–12 immersed themselves in hands-on investigations, field experiences, and stewardship activities that connected the science they learn in school to the waterways flowing through their own communities and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay.

As both a science teacher and Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward, one of my greatest goals is to provide authentic learning experiences that inspire students to become lifelong environmental stewards. That vision would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of fellow Master Watershed Stewards Jodi Sulpizio, Cindy Pizziketti, and Mark Lentz, who generously volunteered their time throughout the year to organize and facilitate club activities and mentor students, bringing watershed science to life. Club meetings introduced students to stream ecology through aquatic macroinvertebrate investigations, water chemistry and salinity testing, watershed decision-making activities, fish printing, and discussions about the interconnectedness of Pennsylvania's waterways. Students also explored digital watershed modeling through WikiWatershed while learning how everyday decisions influence local water quality. These hands-on activities encouraged students to think critically about the challenges facing our watersheds and the role they can play in protecting them.

Learning extended well beyond the classroom through several field experiences across York County. Students toured York Water Company's Reservoir Park to better understand drinking water protection, visited the York County Solid Waste Authority to learn how responsible waste management protects water resources, explored Indian Rock Nursery to discover the importance of native vegetation in healthy ecosystems, and concluded the spring with an educational tour of Safe Harbor Dam, where they examined the relationship between renewable energy, flood management, recreation, and river ecology. Each experience reinforced the importance of community partnerships in protecting Pennsylvania's natural resources.

The school year concluded with the club's end-of-year celebration at Sandy Point State Park on the Chesapeake Bay. While designed as a reward for students' dedication throughout the year, the trip also served as a meaningful reminder of why watershed stewardship matters. Every local stream, storm drain, and tributary eventually connects to the Bay, making the Chesapeake a powerful classroom in itself. Students spent three days camping along the shoreline, sharing meals around the campfire, celebrating birthdays, swimming beneath the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, fishing at sunrise, exploring the beach, and enjoying quiet moments together while watching both the full moon and spectacular Chesapeake sunrises. Those moments of reflection reminded students that environmental stewardship is not only about collecting data or understanding scientific concepts; it's also about developing a personal connection with the places we strive to protect.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of this year's club wasn't measured by attendance or activities, but by the relationships that developed along the way. Students from different grade levels encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, learned from dedicated volunteers, and built friendships rooted in a shared appreciation for the outdoors. Watching students grow into confident young leaders who understand the importance of protecting our waterways continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of leading this program. The success of the Future Master Watershed Steward Club is a testament to the power of collaboration between Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, community partners, and educators. By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, we are not only teaching environmental science, but we are also helping cultivate the next generation of informed citizens and future conservation leaders who understand that healthy watersheds begin with local action. As we look ahead to another school year, we are grateful to everyone who helped make this program possible and look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring students to explore, appreciate, and protect Pennsylvania's waterways.

Senior Opportunity: Fully Funded College "Fly-In" Programs!

Did you know that many top colleges cover 100% of the cost for seniors to visit their campuses? Pre-College Fly-In Programs cover all travel, lodging, and meals, helping students explore higher education options without financial barriers—especially supporting first-generation, underrepresented, and low-income students.

Why Participate?

• Experience dorm and campus life firsthand.

• Get expert tips on essays, applications, and financial aid.

• Network with admissions staff and students from across the country.

How to Start: Applications require a transcript, a short essay, a recommendation, and basic eligibility information. Deadlines run throughout August and September, so eligible seniors should apply soon! (Note: Rejection from a fly-in program does not hurt future admission chances.)

Check out the full list of programs on the Coalition for College Access Website, or reach out to Mr. O at ofarahani@yorkarcs.org for support!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame: York Academy PTO Night with the York Revolution!

Mark your calendars for a fun night out with the York Academy community! The York Academy PTO is hosting a special fundraising event at the York Revolution baseball game on Saturday, August 22.

Bring your family, cheer on the Revs, and connect with fellow Knight families while supporting our school! A portion of ticket sales will go directly to the York Academy PTO to help fund school programs, student activities, and teacher support throughout the upcoming year.

Event Details:

• Event: York Academy PTO Night at the York Revolution
• Date: Saturday, August 22
• Tickets: Click the link below and select the York Academy logo to buy tickets.

York Revolution Tickets

Come out, show your school pride, and help us kick off the year with a home run!

Welcoming Our Newest Team Members

Samantha Roedts

We are thrilled to welcome Samantha Roedts to the York Academy family as Math Coach at the Lower School! Samantha lives with her husband, Ian, their three children—Cirilla (9), Elarra (7), and Theodore (2), and their beloved pets, Ronald Rhett the cat and Freya Marie the dog. When she isn't busy with family, Samantha loves spending her free time dancing, enjoying theater, crafting, and baking.

Fun Fact: Samantha graduated from high school in Japan, where her family lived for 16 years!

Samantha is excited to bring her energy and passion to York Academy, and we are equally excited to have her on board. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Jenna McFarland



We are excited to welcome Jenna McFarland (though most of her friends call her Jen!) as a new Instructional Assistant at the Lower School.

Jen lives right here in York with her husband, their son, two cats named Auri and Boba, and a dog named Samwise. To make joining our community even sweeter, her son is starting first grade at York Academy this year!

Outside of the classroom, Jen is a talented artist who loves reading and writing fantasy stories and comics. In her own words, she’s a proud "nerd" at heart, and she can't wait to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the York Academy team.

Ashley Morales Valle

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Ashley Morales Valle, who is joining the York Academy team as a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant this school year!

Originally from Puerto Rico, Ashley now lives right here in York with her husband and son. Outside of school, she enjoys a wide variety of creative and active hobbies, including drawing, crafting, and longboarding. She also loves cooking traditional Puerto Rican dishes and traveling—both back home to visit family and to explore new places around the world.



We are so excited to have Ashley bring her warmth, creativity, and energy to our kindergarten classrooms. Welcome to the York Academy family, Ashley!

Rebecca Lease

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Lease to York Academy for the 2026–27 school year as our new 6th-grade teacher!

Though she currently lives in Middletown with her wife, their cats, their corgi, and a new daughter, Rebecca actually grew up right here in York. Local theater has been a passion of hers for the past 15 years, and she recently celebrated the exciting milestone of directing her very first play this past spring!

Rebecca is delighted to be back in her hometown, and especially excited to be working right across the street from her grandparents’ favorite restaurant. Welcome to the team, Rebecca!

Carmen Hernandez Casanova

Help us extend a warm welcome to Carmen Hernandez Casanova! Carmen is joining York Academy as a First Grade Instructional Assistant. We are delighted to have her energy and support in our classrooms this school year as we welcome our first graders back!