York Academy Families:

It’s Homecoming week and excitement is in the air. It’s been wonderful to see students from both schools celebrating and embracing Spirit Week. Ka’Mih and I were twins yesterday! There are just two more days to go. Thursday is 70s Disco Day and Friday is a House Drip Day for all. Students who do not participate in the theme of the day should wear their full uniforms. Check out these pictures and watch for more.

In addition, yesterday was National IT Professionals Day, and I’d like to recognize Steph Barnes (Instructional Technology Specialist) and Steven Wetten (Computer Technician) for their expertise. Many thanks for taking care of our needs and ensuring that we have the technology and tools to do our best, Steph and Steven!



Lastly, registration is still open for Lower School Clubs (K-6). There are only a few more slots available, so click here to sign up. Clubs begin on Monday and run for eight weeks. 



Enjoy the evening, 

Dr. Lowe

Please help our first graders make a local and global impact! Their annual Food Drive is happening now through THIS Friday. The students are collecting canned or boxed food items to benefit Catholic Harvest Food Pantry and monetary donations to support Heifer International. 

All Lower School students are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation by Friday. For their kindness, those who donate (either way), may dress down on Wednesday, September 25! Students who choose not to participate will be required to wear their uniforms that day. Thank you for your generosity!

Students in Mrs. Reed’s DP Science classes are finished investigating the environmental changes that affect the Codorus Creek watershed and the greater Chesapeake Bay!

Last week, juniors conducted physical mapping, chemical testing, biological macroinvertebrate surveys, and microplastics testing to determine water quality at the headwaters of the Codorus Creek.

On Monday, seniors traveled to Annapolis, MD to visit the Philip Merrill Center, a Platinum rated LEED building and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation headquarters. They interviewed employees and shared their school-based action plans with them. They also got to canoe on and test the water quality from Black Walnut Creek, a tributary adjacent to the Bay.

Yesterday, juniors engaged in water quality testing along the Codorus Creek and seniors connected with representatives from the York City Public Works Department (Stormwater Division) and Watershed Alliance of York (WAY). During a creek-side chat, they shared their school-based action plans with them and learned about grant opportunities and resources. Check out more pictures here.

Our students are hosting the final Watershed Week community event! Come celebrate them on Friday, September 27 from 3 - 5 p.m. on the Upper School patio. Stop by to hear about their field experiences and impressive plans to make our grounds greener. There will also be interactive displays from the Watershed Alliance of York and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. We’re proud of our students and excited to be part of Watershed Week! Click here to learn about the other community events that are planned. 

Support Our Lady Knights: First Volleyball Matches Tomorrow

Come cheer for our Upper School Lady Knights and get in on the Homecoming fun tomorrow night (9/19) in the Upper School gym! The times are:

• 4 p.m. - Junior High (7th/8th Grade)
• 5 p.m. - Junior Varsity (9th/10th Grade)
• 6 p.m. - Varsity (11th/12th Grade)

Homecoming Dance Tickets

Tickets for the disco-themed Homecoming Dance are on sale through tomorrow (9/19) at lunch. The cost/ticket is $12 and a signed permission slip is required. 

Congrats to Emily Reel (English Language Development Teacher) and Yarelis Acosta-Alicea (English Language Development Instructional Assistant) on being our Knight Staff Superstars! This dynamic duo was nominated for embodying the IB attribute of being knowledgeable.

"They have been working hard to ensure our students and staff have exactly what they need to be successful," said their nominator. "Ms. Reel and Mrs. Acosta-Alicea are consistently providing guidance and implementing best practices. Their skills are exactly what our YARCS community needs."

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and supporting others, Ms. Reel and Mrs. Acosta-Alicea! You are valued members of our Knight Team. We must also wish Mrs. Acosta-Alicea the best of luck, since her little one is due any minute! 

The House of Onesto is hosting a tailgate event at the Lower School on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. (inside).

All families (K-12) are invited! Join us for food, fun and games, along with some friendly competition. Students who come will get to wear shirts in their House colors with uniform bottoms on Friday, September 27!

Fall Popcorn Loft Fundraiser

Watch for order forms for the next PTO fundraiser from Popcorn Loft (or click here). Include your child's name on the order form and return it with payment (write checks to York Academy PTO) by Wednesday, October 9. To support our local businesses and the environment, please return any unwanted forms. You may pick up your order on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. inside the Lower School Playground doors.

Trunk or Treat Candy Drive Donations Needed

The House of Sanchar and the PTO are teaming up to host the fourth annual Trunk or Treat Reading Spooktacular on Wednesday, October 9 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at the Upper School. Please consider donating candy, gift cards and more. Items can be dropped off at either office through October 8. Click here for more details and sign up now. Thanks in advance!

Do you love ART? National Art Honor Society (9-12) and National Junior Art Honor Society (7-8) would love for you to join us! Members take art-centered field trips, participate in art-making workshops, and plan Parents' Night Out, Chalk the Walk, the spring MYP Art Show, the Art for a Cause Silent Auction, and so much more. Come create with us!

Complete this application by this Friday (9/20). Mrs. Chester and Mrs. Hobbs look forward to receiving your application!