York Academy Families:

It's National School Counseling Week and I would like to thank our dedicated counselors for the many ways they impact students' lives. Ms. D'Angelo, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Bonderowitz, and Ms. Reid work behind the scenes to support students and help them succeed. They are valued members of our team!

In addition, please read these Lower School Dismissal Expectations. The information was shared with students during assemblies this week.

Lastly, we're halfway through the third quarter, and it's time to update you on your child's progress. Watch for Progress Reports on Friday afternoon (details below).

Enjoy the evening,

Dr. Lowe

The York County High School Honors Band Festival was held last weekend, and five of our talented Upper School students joined over 120 musicians from 19 different schools! They are Jacob Grove - Percussion (9th), Sam Ambrosius - French Horn (11th), Hannah Lemke - Piccolo (9th), Lily Houck - Flute (11th), and ShaTayla Bailey - Clarinet (10th). Congrats, Knights!

This Friday, Lower School students will bring home a printed version of their Progress Reports. You’ll be able to see all the assignments that have been graded to date and the current grade for each subject. This snapshot will give you some great information about your child’s current levels of achievement.

Upper School parents will be able to view their student’s Progress Reports through the Sapphire Portal on Friday afternoon. Each student will receive a P (pass) or F (fail) for each of their content classes. The report indicates strengths, areas of needed improvement, and/or thoughts about the student's behavior. Click here to log into Sapphire. Select "Go to My Backpack for (Child), click on "Reports," and then "Progress Reports."

Haven't registered for an account? Click here and look for "Apply for a Sapphire Community Portal Account." The KEYWORD is charter (lowercase). Watch your email for a PIN. Questions? Email Tina Ziegler.

Please review the Progress Report with your student(s) and follow up with their teacher(s) if you have questions. Thank you!

Join Us: Admissions Information Session on February 17

Do you know someone whose child will start kindergarten or a positive change is needed? We're accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year until March 31. Our first Admissions Information Session will take place on Saturday, February 17. Please tell your friends and family! Guests will learn about the York Academy, our IB curriculum, and take a tour of the Lower School. Click here for more details.

DP Music Students to Perform in York County Music Festival

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a new music festival featuring York's up and coming musicians at the Capitol Theatre on Saturday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Our very own juniors in the Diploma Programme will be performing, along with six other bands!

The students will also get to participate in a clinic with Daniel Dowling, combo drummer and percussionist for the Air Force's vocal group, the Singing Sergeants!

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Music Class encourages students to engage in "diverse musical material." It's a two-year course that students take in 11th and 12th grades. This group of juniors have a wide variety of experience. Part of that journey with diverse music material entails playing and performing in a modern band setting. The York County Student Music Festival is a terrific way for them to do just that.

Please come support our amazing students and the other performers. From pop and classic rock to punk and brass quintets, there will be something for everyone.

Tickets are just $10/adult and FREE for students. We hope to see you there!

Notes from the Kitchen: Birthday Celebrations

I'd like to take a moment to review York Academy’s Administrative Guidelines regarding Birthday celebrations in the classroom.

Our Food Service Department offers the opportunity to purchase a Birthday Basket to be delivered to your child’s classroom. The basket contains healthy and allergy-safe snacks for all the students in the class. The cost is $20, which is about the same cost as a tray of cupcakes from a bakery. 

Click here for a Birthday Bag order form.

To keep our students safe, any homemade or store-bought food items must be individually wrapped for them to take home. The food item will be given to the child at dismissal and may not be consumed in the classroom or on the bus. The decision to allow the child to have the snack will be determined by the child’s parent.

Thank you for your help in keeping our students safe and healthy.

Congrats to These Upper School Knights of the Month

These Knights of the Month were chosen for being investigators (inquirers) because they always want to learn more. They know what's happening at school since they read the announcements and flyers around the building. These Knights also complete their work on time and consider appropriate times to leave the classroom. They ask questions and use their research skills to learn and understand various topics. They are true learners. Way to go, Knights!

Important Program for Adults on March 5: Drugs 101

The York Academy Counseling Department will be hosting an informative program for adults called "Drugs 101." The event will be led by facilitators from the Byrnes Health Education Center, and they will also share a presentation on drug prevention.

A bedroom scene will be set up to help parents identify signs of possible drug use. Because of the sensitivity of the topic, this event is for adults only. Children should not come along.

The program will take place on Tuesday, March 5 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Upper School (2 Hamilton Ave.). Guests are welcome to come at 5 p.m. for dinner (pizza, veggies, and more).

So that we can plan for dinner, please sign up by Tuesday, February 27. Again, this important program is just for adults. If you'd like to come, please make child-care arrangements now. We would love to see you there!

Celebrate Your Senior with a Special Yearbook Ad

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