CEO Corner
As we enter the season of reflection, I want to make a special request of all of our families. Between now and winter break, please take the time to personally thank a York Academy teacher or staff member for the difference they make in your child’s life.
I have had the fortune to work in many schools in several different cities, and the level of dedication and commitment demonstrated by the faculty at York Academy is truly remarkable. Like most teachers these days, in addition to teaching, our teachers serve as counselors, social workers, confidantes and coaches. At York Academy, the IB requires our teachers to also be curriculum writers, assessment creators and service learning facilitators. The work they do each day is difficult, and all of them are deserving of the type of thoughtful and specific praise that only you can give.
In closing, I want to thank the entire York Academy community for the support and kindness that my family and I have enjoyed since joining the fold. Whether you are spending time with your immediate family or “extended” family, remember to take time to rest, enjoy the beauty around you and express thanks for all that you have.
Warm regards,
Angela Sugarek
|
|
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to ninth-grader Harold, who was chosen as our "Student Spotlight." Harold was nominated for embodying the
IB attributes
of being caring and principled. Caring individuals show empathy, compassion and respect. They are committed to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around them. Principled individuals act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. They take responsibility for their actions and their consequences.
Harold is a student who says what he means and means what he says. He cares for other students and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Harold always has nice things to say about his teachers and peers, and he has a plan to show continuous improvement with his learning. Our students and staff benefit from having Harold attend the York Academy Upper School. Way to go, Harold. Keep it up!
|
|
York Academy Ambassadors
Earlier this fall, many sixth and seventh-graders took part in a competitive application process for the York Academy Ambassador program. To be considered, students must be responsible leaders who interact well with the public. In this role, they represent our school at several functions throughout the year and plan a community service project. Congratulations to our newest group of Ambassadors!
|
|
PTO Updates
The next PTO Meeting will be held on
Tuesday, December 3 at 6 p.m.
in the Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression. Come learn about the ways the PTO is making a difference and find out how you can get involved! Free childcare will be provided in the cafeteria.
|
|
Did you know that Bingo is good for your health? When you play bingo, you're exercising your brain to boost your cognitive function and improve your memory, both of which have a lasting positive impact! Come build more brain power at the
PTO Bingo Night on Thursday, December 5 from 6-7:30 p.m.
in the Lower School cafeteria. This event is for PYP students (K-5) and their families. Siblings of all ages are welcome, too. Snacks and drinks will be provided and prizes will be awarded. If Bingo isn't your thing, other board games will be available. We hope to see you there!
|
|
Please note that there will be two PTO Dress Down Days in December! On
Friday, December 6 and Friday, December 13
, students may dress casually in the school-appropriate clothing of their choice. Students should bring a $1.00 donation for the PTO on each Friday that their student would like to participate. Those who choose not to take part should wear their school uniforms. Please make sure to
review the expectations for school-appropriate attire
.
|
|
Here's a chance to cross some gifts off your list and help the York Academy PTO! Now through
January 8
, the PTO is partnering with Yankee Candle
®
Fundraising. There are a wide variety of candles, fragrances and decor items available. Your purchase will ship directly to your home and the PTO will receive a profit on every order. Proceeds will
help fund field trips, family events, assemblies and more.
|
|
Parents' Night Out
Mrs. Chester and Upper School members of our National Art Honor Society (NAHS) are hosting the next “Parents’ Night Out" on
Friday, December 6 at the Upper School from 6-9 p.m.
It will be a
Holiday PJ Party Movie Night!
While you go to dinner during First Friday, catch a movie or chill, your children will play games in the Wagman Gym and enjoy snacks while they watch festive movies in the Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression.
Students and their friends in grades K-7 are invited to join us for this fundraiser, which supports the NAHS spring field trip.
Click here to register your student(s).
Thank you in advance for your support of the visual arts at York Academy!
|
|
Picture Retake Day
Picture retake day for students at both schools is
Wednesday, December 4
. S
tudents who did not have their picture taken in October should plan to participate.
Additionally, students who wish to have their picture retaken should bring their original picture package with them to give to the photographer.
Students who are having their picture taken/retaken are permitted to "dress up" on December 4.
|
|
Staff Shoutout
Lower School kindergarten teacher, Ms. Becky Frederick, was nominated for displaying the
IB attribute
of being open-minded. Open-minded individuals appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. They seek and evaluate a range of points of view and are willing to grow from these experiences.
Ms. Frederick is flexible and kind. She accepts changes and rolls with the punches. You'll never hear Ms. Frederick complain or talk poorly about things that may go wrong. She sets a great example for everyone who is lucky enough to work with her! Thank you for being so open-minded with your students and colleagues, Ms. Frederick!
|
|
YARCS Winter Concerts
Make sure to save the dates for our upcoming concerts! The Lower School Winter Concert is coming up on
Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.
in the gym. You'll enjoy performances by our Lower School Choruses, Winter Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra and other select groups.
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Winter Rock Concert on
Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Upper School Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression. There will be many different groups and solo performances by musicians in grades 7-10. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and admission is by donation. Proceeds will benefit the performing arts at York Academy, as well as a charitable cause chosen by the student musicians.
|
|
Musings of the MYP Coordinator
The
Middle Years Programme
(MYP) includes all students in grades 6-10 and requires students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. Students accomplish this by engaging in an inquiry-based learning environment within each class. The courses include Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition, Design, Physical and Health Education and Visual Art.
Research shows that students participating in the MYP:
- Build confidence in managing their own learning
- Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
- Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
- Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations
- Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel and
- Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.
Our MYP students at York Academy are growing and learning every day. Above you'll see a small snapshot of some of the great learning experiences they have had over the past month.
|
|
Coffee & Crayons at The D.E.W. Good Academy Cafe
Have little ones? Come for
"Coffee & Crayons"
every Tuesday and Thursday in December from 8-10 a.m
. Enjoy coffee/tea and relax, while they color festive pictures and watch a movie. Next week's flick is the 2018 animated version of "The Grinch." Supplies will be provided. Make sure to use the Café entrance around the back of the Upper School. You may park in the Upper School lot or at Small's Field. Stay tuned for some festive December drink specials, too!
|
|
Holiday Gift Drive: Children's Home of York
Our Upper School Student Council is taking part in the
Holiday Gift Drive
for the Children's Home of York (CHOY). As the oldest existing child and family centered social service agency in York County, the
Children's Home of York
provides comprehensive, accredited, community-based services to stabilize and strengthen children and families in need.
Trees are located in the media center and in the third floor common area.
Two sets of tags are available.The white tags have specific gift requests from the children and the red tags list general wishlist items for CHOY. Cash donations are also welcomed.
The deadline is
Friday, December 13
.
Click here
for a full list of items requested.
All donors will receive a ticket to a holiday party in December during the school day. If you have questions, please
email Mrs. Daniels
.
|
|
Save the Date: All Pro Dad Meeting
Thank you to everyone who came to our first All Pro Dad meeting yesterday! We appreciate your time and hope you found it valuable. Please save the date for the next meeting on
Thursday, December 19 at 7 a.m.
in the Upper School cafeteria.Students from both schools and their male role models are invited. Breakfast items will be provided, along with coffee from
The D.E.W. Good Academy Cafe.
At each meeting, the adults will be encouraged to explore various attributes related to making a positive impact in the lives of their students, while building their capacity as community and family members.
Click here
to join York Academy's All Pro Dad Chapter and watch for a link to register for the December meeting soon. We look forward to seeing a great group of students and their dads/father figures!
|
|
Second Grade Hero Reception
Our second-graders have been studying the role heroes play and how they positively impact people during the IB unit “Where We Are In Place and Time.” They've learned that anyone can be heroic by the actions they take and choices they make.
T
hey each wrote a letter to a personal hero in their life and invited that individual to a reception earlier this month. In preparation, the students made cookies at YorKitchen in Central Market so they could share some treats with their guests. With the help of special volunteers, the students read the recipes, measured and mixed the ingredients, and scooped the batter onto large cookie sheets.
The next day, each student read their letter aloud to their hero at the Hero Reception. They expressed the ways their hero encourages, supports and cares for them in front of their peers and the guests. After the touching presentations, everyone enjoyed snacks – including the delicious cookies. It was a memorable day for all!
|
|
Third Grade "We Help Two" Fundraiser
We are extremely proud of our third-graders on a successful fundraiser. They sold 98 packs of funky socks and will be able to support Mark's education for two terms! As part of the partnership with
We Help Two, they will donate 98 socks to the York community for those in need. Special thanks are extended to everyone who bought socks and participated in the penny wars!
|
|
Fifth-Graders Take On JA BizTown
Earlier this fall, our fifth-graders visited JA BizTown and became "citizens" for the day. They worked for one of 14 businesses and even had the chance to vote.
The JA BizTown experience brings the real world to life through an interactive, project-based program. Students learn to manage their personal finances, as well as the importance of becoming a successful professional within our community. Leading up to the day, the students participated in 16 lessons. They learned how to
apply and interview for a job, write personal checks, use a debit card, balance a checkbook and run a successful business as a group. They did a fantastic job and everyone was impressed with their teamwork and leadership!
|
|
Dollar$ for Dough at Papa John's
As a reminder, Papa John's is offering us a way to raise funds for our school through Dollar$ for Dough.
Today, and every Wednesday in December,
you can call/order online and get a large one-topping pizza for $10 (use code: YORKA). This offer is available at the Queen Street and White Street locations only. Papa John's will generously donate $2.50 from each pizza sold to York Academy!
Get the details.
|
|
MYP Astronomy Visit
Recently, sixth and seventh grade students in Mrs. Henninger's science classes enjoyed the rare experience of viewing the Transit of Mercury. Two volunteers from a local astronomy club set up their telescopes with solar filters so our students could safely view the planet's transit across the sun.
|
|
2020-21 Open House Information Sessions
Please share the dates of our Open House Information Sessions with your friends/family members who are considering applying at York Academy! We will provide an overview of the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, outline student and parent expectations, highlight school policies, and explain the admissions process.
Saturday, January 25 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, January 29 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m.
Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m.
Tours will be available after each presentation. No RSVP is required. If you have any questions,
click here
to email us.
|
|
Join Our Team
York Academy is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about education for the following positions:
- Instructional Assistant (Both Schools)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor
- Girls Basketball Coach (7th & 8th Grade)
Click here
for details and share this email to anyone who may be interested.
|
|
Reminder from Our Nurses
Here's a gentle reminder from the nurse's office about our "lousy" community companions! Head lice have affected humans for ages, and the CDC reports there are 6-12 million cases per year in the United States (including York County!). As a general education measure, and to encourage families to check children regularly, please
click here
to read some facts about head lice. If you have any questions, or would like more detailed information, please email
Mrs. Urey
or
Ms. Halloran
.
Thank you!
|
|
Support York Academy on Giving Tuesday
Get ready for #GivingTuesday on
December 3
! Not sure what it is? Giving Tuesday was created
in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
Stay tuned for some exciting ways to help change our students' lives and prepare them for success in college and beyond through
York Academy Scholarship Plus
! Every dollar will
make a meaningful difference
.
|
|
Through the IB Lens
Watch this video and hear how the Middle Years Programme (MYP) prepares students for their future studies.
|
|
|
Holiday Break
School is closed for the holiday break from Thursday, November 28 - Monday, December 2. Classes will resume on Tuesday, December 3.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
|
|
PTO Meeting
6 p.m. (Upper School)
Come get involved and learn about the terrific ways our PTO is making a difference. Free child care will be provided.
|
|
Last Day of WIN & Thursday Clubs
PTO Bingo Night (K-5)
6 p.m.
Lower School Cafeteria
|
|
|
York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
