Knight News
July 30, 2021
Meet Our Acting CEO
The York Academy Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Michael Lowe to the role of Acting CEO on July 19, 2021, upon Ms. Sugarek’s resignation.

Dr. Lowe is no stranger to York Academy. For the last six years, he has helped move the Academy's mission forward by serving as the Head of School at the Upper School and the Supervisor of Instructional Leadership.

Prior to coming to York Academy, he worked as the Assistant Superintendent at Cheltenham Township School District (Montgomery County, PA) for four years. He also served as the Supervisor of Elementary Education at the Red Lion Area School District. Dr. Lowe’s educational career as an administrator began at York City School District. Over 10 years, he held various positions as a Principal, the Director of Counseling and the Director of Gifted and Talented programs.
 
Dr. Lowe is a graduate of Shippensburg University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in counseling. He also graduated from Penn State University with a degree in curriculum and development. In addition, he holds a doctorate from Duquesne University in educational leadership and has earned certificates in education from Shippensburg, Duquesne and Harvard Universities.
 
Outside of school, Dr. Lowe is active in the York community. He has served on several boards and held leadership positions with Boy Scouts, York Extension Services, the Council of Churches and the York County Community Foundation. Dr. Lowe also enjoys volunteering at York Hospital and at his church.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve the students, parents, faculty and staff at the York Academy,” Dr. Lowe said. "I am humbled as the Acting CEO to be working with the Board of Trustees to move forward the York Academy in meeting the mission and vision of our school system.”
2021-22 Health & Safety Plan
The York Academy Board of Trustees recently approved the 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan. Click here to review the full plan in English or here to read it in Spanish. You may also view a summary of the plan on our COVID-19 Response page.

Please know that the health and safety of all teachers, staff, students and community is a top priority for York Academy. We're monitoring the continued guidance from the CDC regarding masking within a school setting. Updates to York Academy's Health and Safety Plan will be adjusted as necessary according to CDC guidance and levels of transmission in York County.

Here are a few key points from the plan:

  • Instruction for the 2021-2022 school year will be held in-person, five-days a week. Virtual options will not be offered.

  • Lower School students (K-6) are required to wear masks. Upper School students (7-12) may forgo masks with proof of vaccination. All non-vaccinated students must wear masks inside the school.

  • Social distancing guidelines will continue to be followed. Students will be given hand sanitizer when entering the building and will be reminded to follow proper hand-washing procedures. Water fountains in both buildings have been replaced with bottle fillers. Students are welcome to bring water bottles to school. Cleaning and sanitizing protocols will continue to be a priority.

  • Parents are encouraged to access their child's health each morning using the COVID-19 screening tool. Please do not send them to school if they have any symptoms, if someone in their household has a known or possible exposure, or if someone in their household is waiting for test results.
Teacher Assignments & Schedules
This year, we will be sharing teacher assignments and/or schedules through Sapphire. The platform also allows you to view your child's grades, behavior and attendance. If you already have a Sapphire account, please log in now to make sure you can access it. Otherwise, click here and follow the directions below to create an account:

  1. Click on "Create a Web Portal Account" under the login (see the yellow highlighted area in the picture).
  2. On the next screen, when prompted to enter the KEYWORD, type in charter.
  3. We will email your PIN to you within a few days and you will be able access your Sapphire account after you receive it. Questions? Please contact Tina Ziegler at tziegler@yorkarcs.org.
Important Back to School Information
The first day of school for students in grades 1 - 12 is Monday, August 16. Kindergartners will have the opportunity to meet their teacher on August 16, but their first full day of school is Tuesday, August 17. Details will be shared with kindergarten families soon. 

Please note that school hours for all students (K-12) are from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The doors will open at 7:30 a.m. If your children would like breakfast, they should arrive by 7:45 a.m.

Click here to view a PDF of the 2021-22 school calendar. Make sure to check our website calendar frequently for additions and upcoming events, too.

Click below to read an important letter from your child's school about the upcoming academic year. It includes the supplies list, drop off and pickup information, the Dress Code, Code of Conduct, cafeteria updates and more.
York Academy Dress Code
A standardized dress code fosters a focused attitude toward learning. We strive to create an atmosphere of equality by removing the name brands and status symbols that are subtle, yet often distinguishing signs of social standing. Required attire varies depending upon grade level. All students must arrive at school in dress code and remain in dress code while on school property. Please review the York Academy Dress Code and talk with your children about what attire is appropriate for school.

7th Grade Welcome Day
The York Academy Upper School is hosting a Welcome Day for new 7th graders on Thursday, August 5 from 9 a.m - 12 p.m. Students are encouraged to RSVP and ask questions through this Google Form. All questions will be answered at the event. Incoming 8th graders who learned virtually last year are also welcome to attend.

Please note that this event is for students only. We can't wait to meet your children and share all the exciting things that being at the Upper School brings!
Back to School Nights
Mark your calendar! Please join us at our Back to School Nights. More details will be shared soon.

  • Upper School: Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

  • Lower School: Thursday, September 2 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Register Now: PTO Race Back to School 5K
Registration is now open for our annual PTO Race Back to School 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, September 11!

Proceeds from the 5K will help support your children’s school experience by providing funds for field trips, facility upgrades, teacher appreciation and much more!

The PTO is seeking volunteers for the planning committee - specifically for help on the course and with after-race refreshments. For more information, please email Reid Walsh at vreidwalsh1@gmail.com.

Sponsors are also needed! Find out how your business can support our school and gain exposure in this community-wide event!
Notes from the Kitchen
By Regina Arnold, Food Services Manager
Breakfast and lunch will continue to be free for the 2021-22 school year for all students. Even though everyone eats free, we depend on the meal applications to help fund our schools. In addition, it would be helpful for us to have an up-to-date application from you on file so you can benefit from the pandemic relief programs now and in the future.

Please help me reach my goal of 100% participation by completing your meal application. Click here to apply online. Paper applications will also be sent home with students, so you may wait until then. All applications are due by September 17, 2021.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone return from summer vacation. In addition, I am excited to get our kitchens open and start serving our students delicious and nutritious food.

Eat well and stay healthy,
Ms. Gina
Revs Back to School Celebration & Challenge
Save the date! You're invited to join York Academy at PeoplesBank Park on Saturday, August 21 at 12:00 p.m.! We'll be one of 16 schools participating in the York Revolution's Back to School Celebration and Challenge!

Tickets are free for York Academy employees and discounted ($10) for families. We're excited to share that 50% of each ticket purchased will benefit students through the Scholarship+ Program! York Academy will have a special seating section and we'll all wear school colors (teal and navy).There will also be a post-game event where two teachers will compete to win $1,000 for York Academy! More details are coming.

York Academy families may purchase tickets below. Scroll down until you find our logo.
If you're a York Academy employee, please reserve your ticket below.
We're Hiring!
York Academy is hiring for the 2021-22 school year! Be part of a progressive team that works collaboratively to develop caring, open-minded, knowledgeable future leaders through the IB framework. Classified and professional positions are available. Click below to learn more and apply now. Questions? Please email hr@yorkarcs.org.
Dental & Physical Exams
Pennsylvania requires medical and dental exams for students' school health files in certain grade levels. They are:
 
  • Grades 3 and 7: Dental Exam
  • Grades 6 and 11: Physical Exam (including any immunization updates)
 
Please access your healthcare portal or contact your provider to obtain records for our school. You can also find links to blank physical and dental exams below, if needed. Questions? Reach out to our school nurses:

York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001