Parent Edition

October 1, 2026

National Honor Society

Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the 
National Honor Society last night:

Seniors

Alexandra Fontana

Sophia Gilden

Emma Martin

Gavin Pennell

Gavin Sentz

Leila Sterling 


Juniors

Luke Andrews

William Bates

Makenna Bradley

Liam Brennan

Wyatt Brodbeck

Amelia Burkey

Zoe Carothers

Lily Dellinger

Amelia Dobson

Anthony Doyle

Maddox Gans

Elle Gilbert

Sophia Gordillo

Isabelle Gottesfeld

Tate Keffer

Peter Kellett

Kenzie Hess

Aubree Hissong

Alexander Kipple

Parker Kovach

Kensington Maizels

Emma McKee

Riley Miller

Nathan Mullen

Daniel Munford

Derek Noel

Christian Noll

Kyle Olinger

Olivia Otremba

Karsten Pike

Ricardo Po

Mathew Reynoso

Benjamin Schlosser

Gabrielle Schneider

Allison Scott

Jack Sibol

Alexa Smith

Keira Steinmetz

Lauren Ulmer

Nolan Verkest

Emma Wurm

Theodore Yadlowsky


Retreat Host Families Needed

The 7th grade class will be enjoying a Retreat Day on Tuesday, October 6, at Holy Infant Church in Manchester, PA. The day will be led by the NET Ministries Team based in St. Paul, MN.  


Host Families Needed

We will need families to house and feed same-gender pairs of the NET Team for two nights in October. It is a wonderful chance to get to know some faithful young Catholics in their year of service to the Church and its youth! 


Here's what would be needed:


  • Host two missionaries in your home.
  • Missionaries will stay overnight in your home on Sunday, October 4, and Monday, October 5. They bring their own sleeping bags and toiletries, so no spare beds are required.
  • Provide dinner and breakfast for them.
  • On Sunday, October 4, pick them up at around 5:00 PM at York Catholic. 
  • On Monday, October 5, drive them to York Catholic to arrive by 7:45 AM, and pick them up at 3:00 PM.
  • On Tuesday, October 6, drive them to York Catholic to arrive by 7:00 AM


For more information on hosting, please contact Mr. Caleb Olsen at colsen@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1007 as soon as possible.

Spirit Shirt Friday


Tomorrow, October 2, is Spirit Shirt Friday. Students may wear their favorite YC spirit shirt in place of their uniform shirt. Students still must wear the standard uniform pants or skirt. Spirit Shirt Fridays require a $1 fee payable in homeroom to support Student Council activities for all students throughout the year. 



School Picture Re-take Day

Students were photographed by Legacy Studios the first week of school. These photos were used for student IDs which the students have already received and will appear in the yearbook at the end of the school year. You may now view and purchase the photo through the secure Legacy website at https://legacyfindmycode.com/. Use your child’s 9-digit student ID number for access.  Purchased photo packages are shipped within a few weeks. If there is ever an error with your photo order, please contact Legacy at customercare@legacystudios.com. Their Customer Service Department will be best equipped to correct your order or answer your questions. 


If you would like your child’s photo to be retaken, Retake Day is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at York Catholic. No appointment is needed. Students will be called to the photography area throughout the morning.

Early Dismissal/No School



We will have an 11:30 AM dismissal on Friday, October 9, while our teachers attend an In-Service. Buses will adjust their schedules for the earlier pickup time. We ask parents to also pick-up car riders by 11:30 AM. 


School is closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. 



YC Christmas Cash

In order to maintain the lowest tuition fee possible, each family is asked to participate in 2 fundraisers per year (actual cost per pupil is over $14,500.00).  


Opportunities for YC Christmas Cash will be sold from October 2-23 for $30 each. Each chance purchased will have a four-digit number and will enter the buyer in a daily drawing for the month of December. Each day of December has a different payout assigned. When we pull a purchaser’s number on a specific date in December, they will win the amount noted on that date. Every purchaser has 31 chances to win, coordinating with the 31 days of the month. Winners will be posted on the YC website, www.yorkcatholic.org, and will be notified by email. The winner does not need to be present to win. Winning raffle amounts will be mailed weekly. 


All orders will be placed online through the YC website from October 2-23. Numbered December calendars labeled with the purchaser's name will be sent home to the selling family for distribution in mid-November.  


Complete details will be emailed to you tomorrow.


If you have any questions about YC Christmas Cash, please contact Laura Burkey at lburkey@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1323.


Thank you in advance for making this a successful fall fundraiser! 

Homecoming Photos






Congratulations to Avion Collier and Maura Hoffman who were selected as the King and Queen of Homecoming last week. 


Homecoming pictures are now available to view and purchase. Click on the link below to enter the Gallery and use password 4741E27.


Marian Mass

Our chaplain, Father St. Denis, will celebrate Mass on Thursday, October 8, at 10:15 AM with the 7th through 12th grade students. 


At this time, Father will also commission our senior students who have been selected to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.  They will assist Father in distributing Holy Communion at our school Masses this year.


We will also be recognizing our benefactors who help make a York Catholic education possible for our students.

Cemetery of Innocents




October is Respect Life month. YC students installed a Cemetery of Innocents on the front lawn to remind us to pray for the souls of the babies who have been lost to abortion. 

College & Career Ready

SAT at YC - 12

Seniors who pre-registered will be taking the SAT Exam at York Catholic on Wednesday, October 7, beginning at 8:30 AM. For best results on the SAT, students should have a good night's rest and eat a good breakfast on testing day. Students need to come prepared with a fully charged Chromebook and a graphic or scientific calculator. Registration information for juniors to take the SAT at YC will be available in January.


College Reps Visiting YC

The York Catholic Guidance Office is hosting numerous admissions representatives from colleges and universities to speak to our students about their schools. These presentations are for informational purposes and questions and answers, not Admissions interviews. Students in grades 11 and 12 should check their Google Classrooms for scheduled visits and sign up in the guidance office to attend the presentations. Here are some of the colleges visiting YC. More will be added in the coming weeks:


10/7: Saint Francis University

10/8: Commonwealth University (Instant Decision Day)

10/13: University of Delaware

10/15: LaSalle University

10/16: Gettysburg College

10/21: Loyola University

10/22: Marywood University

10/23: Catholic University of America

10/23: Arcadia University

10/29: Kutztown University (Instant Decision Day)

11/11: Albright College

11/12: Randolph Macon College

11/16: Alvernia University


YCAL Partnership

The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), is an organization unique to York County, offering students free career exploration and job shadowing opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. With the goal of helping students make informed career decisions, YCAL’s programming is diverse and offered at different on-site host locations. Last year, York Catholic had over 24 students participate in the program. This fall, YCAL is offering exploration opportunities in the following career fields: accounting, agriculture, automotive, aviation, financial services, government, health care, law, court reporting, criminal justice & forensics, entrepreneurship. media, marketing & social media, performance arts, psychology, veterinary science. Apply now at https://ycal.us/students/mentoring-program/. Seats are limited so apply early! Students will then be notified via email if they have been accepted into the program 2 weeks before the start of each program. Please reach out to Dr. Barto if you have any questions. 


WellSpan Health Careers Youth Summit

WellSpan Health is hosting a Health Careers Youth Summit Saturday, October 24, from 8 AM-4:30 PM at the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center on the campus of York College. Students will have the opportunity to discover the possibilities of a career in healthcare through hands-on activities and live simulations. Middle and high school students and their parents/guardians can connect with WellSpan professionals, learn by doing, and explore a range of career pathways. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendance is free, but registration is required by clicking the button below.

College Partner of the Week


YC’s guaranteed admissions program includes relationships with thirty prestigious colleges and universities who guarantee admission to YC students who meet the established academic performance criteria. These colleges and universities provide outstanding programs across a variety of subject areas and deliver memorable student experiences.


This week’s featured college partner is:


Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA


Visit their website at https://www.holyfamily.edu/


Read their guaranteed admissions criteria here:  

https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Guidance-Holy-Family-University-Agreement.pdf


To see the complete list of colleges and universities offering York Catholic students guaranteed admission, visit https://yorkcatholic.org/academics/college-career-prep/ 

Uniform Exchange






In preparation for changing the uniform dress code for the 1st and 2nd marking periods on November 2, York Catholic is hosting a uniform exchange on October 14 from 3:30-5 PM at the high school. 



Yearbooks


The York Catholic Yearbook captures memories of student activities and campus life throughout the 2026-27 school year for students in grades 7-12. NOW is the time to place your order for a 2027 yearbook! Yearbooks will be distributed in May. All orders are taken by phone by calling the Balfour ordering line at 1-800-944-5930 or by clicking the button below. 


Yearbook - Senior Tributes

There will be a special section of the 2027 yearbook reserved only for parents of seniors to send a message to their graduating son or daughter. It is a great keepsake and a wonderful way to congratulate your child for all of their years of hard work. The rectangular space costs $25 and can be in full color with a total of 30 words and 1 picture. Please click the button below for the Class of 2027 Yearbook Shoutout online form where you can include your message, upload a photo, and complete your payment all in one stop. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30.  

Open House

Sunday, October 18  

12-2 PM 


Register to attend our upcoming Open House and join us for a look at the York Catholic Middle & High School experience. Learn what life at our school is like and see all we have to offer students (grades 7-12) and their families. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Click here to pre-register ➡ 

https://yorkcatholic.org/admissions/open-house/


What You’ll Experience at York Catholic’s Open House Event: 

  • Take a tour of the newly renovated campus. 
  • Talk with York Catholic teachers and administrators. 
  • Meet current students and hear their experiences. 
  • Learn about the 45+ sports and 60+ activities available. 


Did You Know? 

Students in York Catholic’s class of 2026 were offered over $14 million dollars in higher education scholarships! Join us to learn how York Catholic sets students up for success and creates a place where every student is known and cared for. 


Reserve your spot today! We hope to see you there!

Help Us Spread the Word



Yard signs are now available to help promote York Catholic and to encourage families to contact us for Tours and Open Houses. If you would be interested in joining our support team by displaying a sign in your yard, please contact Christina Lee at clee@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1354 by October 2.



Powderpuff Flag Football Game

Go Gold for York Catholic and the Four Diamonds! Join us at the YC Stadium on Monday, October 5, at 6:30 PM for our Gold Out Powderpuff Flag Football Game. Come cheer on our YC Powderpuff Flag Football players and cheerleaders while also supporting the Four Diamonds and its mission to conquer pediatric cancer. Admission is $1 for adults and students and we ask that spectators wear Gold if possible. YC sports passes may not be used for this event. Food trucks will be available. All proceeds accumulated through our Gold Out game will benefit the Four Diamonds. Together, we can help conquer pediatric cancer! FTK!

Employment Opportunities


York Catholic Middle & High School has the following employment opportunities available:  


  • Middle School Girls' Basketball Coach


Interested candidates can find details and application links at https://yorkcatholic.org/about/employment-opportunities/

Football Game Volunteers Needed

We are in need of volunteers to fill two time slots at our home YC football games. Tasks include selling tickets, programs and 50/50 tickets. Shift One is 5:30-7 PM and Shift Two is 7-8:30 PM. Students are encouraged to help and can earn service hours if a parent volunteers as well. Students cannot be responsible for selling 50/50 tickets but can volunteer for the other tasks. Signup by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!

All-Year Sports Pass

Don’t miss a minute of YC sports with an All-Year Sports Pass. Click the button below for the form. Go IRISH!


Please note:  

All York Catholic students are admitted free to all home sporting events when they present their student ID at the ticket counter. Students are scheduled to receive their IDs the first week of school. Students arriving at the athletic ticket counter without their student ID will be required to pay admission.

Fall Sports Post-Season

Please support our fall student-athletes who are competing in post-season play. Check the YC website’s News & Announcements page for updates. 


Golf


Girls Tennis

  • 10/7-9 - SCAC Tennis Singles
  • 10/7-9 - SCAC Tennis Doubles
  • 10/13, 15, 19, 21 - District Tennis Team
  • 10/16-17 - District Tennis Singles
  • 10/23-24 - District Tennis Doubles
  • 10/21, 24, 25 - PIAA Tennis Team
  • 10/31, 11/1 - PIAA Tennis Singles
  • 10/31, 11/1 - PIAA Tennis Doubles


Cross Country

  • 10/17 - SCAC Championships
  • 10/31 - District Championships 
  • 11/7 - State Championships 


Boys Soccer 

  • 10/17, 20, 22 - SCAC Tournament
  • 10/26, 28, 31, 11/4 - District Tournament
  • 11/10, 14, 17, 20 - PIAA Tournament


Girls Soccer

  • 10/17, 20, 22 - SCAC Tournament
  • 10/26, 28, 31, 11/4 - District Tournament
  • 11/10, 14, 17, 20 - PIAA Tournament


Girls Volleyball

  • 10/19-21 - SCAC Tournament
  • 11/2, 11/5 - District Tournament
  • 11/3, 11/7, 11/10, 11/14 - PIAA Tournament


Football

  • 11/6, 13 - District Tournament
  • 11/21-22, 11/27-28, 12/4-5, 11 - PIAA Tournament


Cheer

  • 11/9 - SCAC Championships @ Spring Grove at 6 PM
  • TBD - District Championships
  • TBD - PIAA Championships


Officials Appreciation Week





PIAA Officials Appreciation Week is October 4-10. While you’re cheering for our athletes, give a cheer for those who dedicate their time so our students can play the game they love. Visit piaa.org to find out you can become an official too. 

Futures Games

Partner school students in grades 1-6 are invited to Futures Games at York Catholic! Come out and be part of the team as you cheer for your future school! Spend time with the varsity players and coaches, listen to coach’s pre-game instruction, participate in team prayer, and pose with the team for a picture. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Please register at https://yorkcatholic.org/futures-events/.  


  • Boys Soccer – Oct 6 - arrive by 6:30 PM (stadium) - NEW DATE!
  • Football – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:15 PM (stadium)
  • Cheerleading – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:15 PM (stadium) - NEW TIME!
  • Marching Band – Oct 9 - arrive by 5:30 PM (band room)

York Catholic Fund

York Catholic Middle & High School is committed to serving York County and beyond in providing access to a Catholic education for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The average cost to educate a student for the 2026-27 school year is $14,500. Yet, today’s tuition covers just $9,650. Your gift to the YC Fund helps the school in many ways, including program and curriculum materials, tuition assistance, extracurricular activities, and more. 


Every unrestricted gift, regardless of the amount, is sincerely appreciated by York Catholic. We know you are asked to give in many different ways and greatly appreciate your thoughtful consideration in giving to the YC Fund.


Thank you for supporting our current students and future alumni!

Night at the Races

The York Catholic Athletic Booster Club is hosting "Night at the Races" on Saturday, October 24, at YC. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Post time is 6:15 PM. Join us for 8 simulcast horse races, silent auction, raffles, rip tickets, and all you can eat food and beverages with catering by GingerBabies for $40 per person or $75 per couple. 


Fun sponsorship opportunities are available.  You can buy a table, name a race, and name your horse(s).  Volunteer opportunities are also available! Dress is casual. This event is for ages 21+. 


Please support one of our biggest fundraising events and come prepared to play and have fun while supporting YC Athletics.  


Click here for the flyer. 


Click here for a paper ticket order form. 

Click here for an electronic ticket order form https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094EABAD2AA5FD0-64862050-york


Click here for sponsorship opportunities.  


If you have any questions, contact Laurie Moir at 717-846-8871 x1322 or lmoir@yorkcatholic.org.

Businesses Give Back

Box Tops for Education

Check your boxed and canned goods for the Box Tops for Education logo and use the Box Tops app to scan your receipt. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to YC’s earnings online. Be sure to select York Catholic High School as your school of choice. Complete details can be found at https://www.boxtops4education.com/



Weis Markets

Weis Markets has changed their school support program. Help YC earn free money! Simply click the link, click "Link my Weis Rewards Card" and follow the instructions from there. As a reminder, you do not lose or give away your points. Weis just matches your points and applies them to York Catholic.

Family Referral Program

Our current families are the heart of YC and we know those who know and love our school are our best ambassadors for sharing what sets the YC experience apart. Your referrals of new students and families who have not yet applied, help us grow our community of exceptional and diverse students, and we want to show our appreciation to you for recommending YC to your friends and family.


NOW EXPANDED

$250 Dual Tuition Credit

Referrals are a win/win for everyone involved. When you refer one new family to YC, you will receive a $250 tuition credit. The new family you referred will also receive the same credit.


BONUS REWARD

$300 Re-Enrollment Credit

Refer more, save more! YC families who refer four or more new families in one school year will receive a $300 credit to waive their re-enrollment fee for the following school year.


How It Works

Step #1: Share Your ❤️ for YC

Help spread the word about YC by sharing your experiences with family and friends.


Step #2: Make a Referral

There are a variety of convenient ways to share your referral.

  • Online: Submit a referral using the button below.
  • In-person: Pick up a form in the office and return it to share your new referral.


Step #3: Get Rewarded

After you submit a new referral, our admissions team will support your referred family throughout their consideration and admissions process. We will reach out to share your rewards following the referred student’s confirmed enrollment.


Program Details

  • Referral forms can only be completed for new prospective families prior to their actual enrollment.
  • A “referred student” only applies to a new student who does not currently attend a partner school.
  • To receive referral rewards, referred new students must be accepted and attend YC through their first semester.
  • The referral rewards are not available for referring your own children.
  • Families may only be referred by one other family. The credit is received by the first referring family.
  • Referral rewards are no-cash given, non-transferrable credits to a student’s tuition account.
  • Credits will be applied at the start of the second full semester after the student is enrolled. Families who choose to pay tuition in full will receive their credits the following school year.
  • The $250 Dual Tuition Credit will be spread as four credits applied to the months of February, March, April, and May.

Give Yourself a Tax Break!

Pennsylvania now allows individuals to take advantage of EITC Tax Credits (just as businesses can) whereby you have the opportunity to re-direct 90% of your personal state income taxes to York Catholic Middle & High School. 

 

The Special Purpose Entity (SPE) is based on tax liability, not income, therefore each taxpayer’s situation will differ. Participants must be PA residents where at least one spouse is employed or has an ownership interest in a PA for-profit business. An individual or couple filing jointly must have a state tax liability of $3,500 or more to participate. To see if you qualify for 2026, you can find your PA tax liability on Form PA-40 Line 12 of your 2025 tax return. 100% of participant contributions are distributed to the school. You have to pay these taxes regardless, so why not have a say in how your taxes are allocated? Additionally, you will receive at least a 10% personal deduction on your federal taxes. The money you re-direct to York Catholic is for educational purposes, specifically tuition assistance.


If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your tax liability AND provide much needed assistance to York Catholic students, please follow these steps:


 

For more information about this easy tax donation, please contact Laura Burkey, York Catholic Director of Advancement, at lburkey@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1323.

Irish Eye Archives




Previous issues of York Catholic's Irish Eye e-newsletter can be found on the YC website at www.yorkcatholic.org. Go to Parents & Students - News & Announcements and click on the link in the right sidebar under Additional Resources.
 
York Catholic Middle & High School
601 E Springettsbury Ave, York PA 17403
717-846-8871


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