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Knight News
February 14, 2020
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As we begin planning for the 2020-2021 school year, one of the things we are reviewing is our current uniform policy. The reasons for having school uniforms are many and well documented. Here are a few of the reasons that apply directly to our work at York Academy:
- School uniforms promote learning. Our programmes are academically challenging and requires our students to be fully engaged. We believe our students’ focus should be on what they are learning and not on what they are wearing.
- School uniforms nourish a sense of equality. When students have similar expectations for dress, unhealthy competitive feelings about looks are reduced. Students can stand out because of their character and not their clothes.
- School uniforms promote a feeling of community. At York Academy, we believe our school dress should complement our learning culture. We are preparing our students for success in college and beyond. We want our students to have a proper expectation of professionalism. When our students wear uniforms, they feel included. They are part of a team working toward success in the classroom and life.
With all of these great reasons for school uniforms you may be wondering why we are reevaluating our current policy. If you are a parent of a young child in the PYP, you may struggle to keep the light colored polos free of stains. For parents of girls in the MYP, you may agree that khaki pants can be problematic. Either way, reviewing our policies regularly through surveys like the one that is currently open, is an important way to gather input and refine current policies.
If you haven’t completed the survey yet, please do so by
Tuesday, February 18
. We will discuss the results of the survey during the Continuous Improvement Committee meeting on February 19, ask the Board of Trustees to approve the 2020-2021 Dress Code Policy at their meeting on March 9 and share the final policy with all parents in the Knight News on March 13.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Warm regards,
Angela Sugarek
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Congratulations to
Jackie
, a seventh-grader who is our Student Spotlight! Jackie was nominated for embodying the
IB attribute
of being
principled
. Principled individuals act with integrity and honesty. They have a strong sense of fairness and justice, and they respect the dignity and rights of people everywhere. Principled individuals also take responsibility for their actions and consequences.
Earlier this school year, Jackie wrote an outstanding current event article about changes that could be made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school lunches. Although she would not directly be impacted by the changes, the concern she expressed for the students around her who could be affected was incredibly considerate and is an excellent example of her being principled. Although this instance was impressive, it should be noted that Jackie consistently shows concern for others and acts with integrity and honesty. Way to go, Jackie! Keep it up.
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One-Way Travel on Cherry Lane
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Now that Cherry Lane next to the York Academy Lower School is one-way from North Street to Gay Avenue, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Stay completely on the right side of Cherry Lane when dropping off your student(s) in the morning. This includes parking to wait for morning drop-off.
- Do not block the entryway from Cherry Lane into the staff parking area behind the Lower School. Some staff members may need to enter/exit this lot.
- If you need to pass a stopped vehicle on Cherry Lane, please exercise extreme caution and ensure that you have adequate passing space. Keep in mind that students may be exiting vehicles and that some vehicle parts (ex. side mirrors) extend into the roadway.
- No vehicles should travel in the opposite direction of the one-way signs. You cannot drive toward North Street from Gay Avenue. In addition to being illegal, your help keeps students, parents and staff using Cherry Lane safe.
Again, thanks for your help!
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Upper School Administrative Assistant and Attendance Coordinator,
Mrs. TaTyana Abreu
, was nominated for displaying the
IB attribute
of being
caring
. Caring individuals show empathy, compassion and respect. They are committed to service and take action by making a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around them.
Students know that they can trust Mrs. Abreu with their academic and personal concerns. She cares about their well-being and knows the importance of building positive relationships with them and their families. Mrs. Abreu also encourages and supports her colleagues in numerous ways. Thanks for all you do to make a difference, Mrs. Abreu. You are appreciated!
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Gold Music Stand Recipients
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Mr. Michael, our Instrumental Music Teacher, loves to inspire and recognize his students. This year, he unveiled the Golden Music Stand, which symbolizes exceptional work in instrumental music. The stand is awarded as a sort of trophy to a "musician of the month" in each ensemble (Band, Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra and Wind Ensemble).
Only students who are consistently prepared, on time, and perform the assigned music at a high level are eligible to receive the award. Winners earn the right to use the Golden Music Stand exclusively for an entire month of lessons and rehearsals before it moves on to another hard-working ensemble member.
Congratulations to Maya, Aliana, Alli and Tighe (not pictured) on "winning gold" this month!
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Writer's Eye Literary Competition
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Earlier this school year, our fourth-graders took a field trip to Creative York. After viewing the artwork in the gallery, they chose a piece they liked and wrote an original poem about it. The students had the option of writing an acrostic poem or a cinquain poem.
Congratulations to Di’Joun (left) and Nehemiah (right) on impressive showings in the Writer's Eye Competition, sponsored by Creative York! They both submitted acrostic poems based on "Fade" by Doug Puller. Di'Joun placed first and Nehemiah received an honorable mention. Way to go!
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By Di’Joun
F
our kids
A
t night
C
arry
E
ggs
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By Nehemiah
F
ar away
A
little boy
D
oes
E
verything he can to stay alive
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MYP Roller Skating Night
The
York Academy PTO
is sponsoring a MYP Roller Skating Party (6-10) on
Tuesday, February 18 from 6-8 p.m.
at Roll ‘R’ Way (940 Vander Ave.). Admission is FREE! Skate rentals are $1.75 for regular skates and $3 for inline skates. We hope to see you there.
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PTO Dress Down Day
Students may dress casually in the school-appropriate clothing of their choice on
Friday, February 21
with a $1 donation towards the efforts of the York Academy PTO.
Please
review the guidelines
for school-appropriate attire.
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Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraiser
The
York Academy PTO
i
s holding a Little Caesars fundraiser through
Tuesday, February 25
. The pizzas are fun to make and delicious to eat.
Click here
to shop now. The group name is York Academy and the Fundraiser ID is 381608.
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Box Tops for Education
Don't forget to support York Academy through Box Tops! Please send them in by the end of February.
Plus, if you shop for groceries online, you can even submit your email receipts from select retailers (ex. Instacart, Target, Walmart) to earn Box Tops for our school.
Get the details.
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Visit from the PA Department of Education
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We recently hosted representatives from the
U.S. Department of Education
, York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, and Andrew Ramos from the Office of Senator Pat Toomey.
Ms. Angela Sugarek led the group on a tour of the Upper School and provided an overview of the
International Baccalaureate
(IB) and its programmes. The visit ended with a spirited discussion with students. Aimee Viana, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Dept. of Education), was especially interested in learning what our students like most about York Academy and how the IB makes them rethink education. The students shared their opinions freely and represented our school impressively.
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Enrollment for the 2020-21 school year is now open! To be included in the lottery, families must apply online
by Friday, March 13.
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We're extremely proud of all of the students who participated in the MYP Science Fair! It was clear they utilized extensive inquiry, critical thinking skills and creativity in their projects.
Congratulations to the overall winners who will represent our school at the York County Science & Engineering Fair in March.
Grade 6 (top picture): 1st Place: Eden, 2nd Place: Brianna, 3rd Place - ShaTayla and J'Ontai
Grades 7 & 8 (middle picture): 1st Place - Neva, 2nd Place - Jacqueline, 3rd Place - Lily
Grades 9 & 10 (bottom picture): 1st Place - Sam, 2nd Place - Alivia, 3rd Place - Lilly
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Our fifth graders are deep in the Exhibition research and planning process. This week,
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill
and Representative Carol Hill-Evans
met with the students and answered important questions from each of the 16 groups pertaining to their Exhibition projects. The topics ranged from women's rights, mental health/phobias and pollution/clean energy to homelessness, animal rights and bullying/cyberbullying. We are thankful for their valuable time and willingness to tackle these issues at a level that was relatable to our fifth graders.
In case you have younger children or are new to York Academy, Exhibition is a student-led group research project that revolves around the central idea that learners can use the knowledge they gain to inform and impact the global community. It's unique to the International Baccalaureate and is the culminating project of the Primary Years Program. Our fifth graders will present these impressive projects at Exhibition Night on
Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m.
at the Lower School. Please join us!
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Reminder: DP Information Session
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York Academy invites all 10th grade students and their families to attend our Diploma Programme Information Session on
February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
at the Upper School. Students and families will learn about York Academy class offerings for their 11th and 12th grade years, as well as pathways for obtaining the highly coveted IB Diploma to gain an edge for college admissions!
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Join us on
Thursday, February 20
for our 2nd Trimester Knights of the Arts! Enjoy performances from Upper School dance, improv, acapella and instrumental classes in the Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression.
The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and
the show will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets will not be sold, but we ask that you please consider donating $3/person. Proceeds will benefit the performing arts at York Academy. Come support our talented students!
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Blanket Drive: Exhibition Project
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The fifth grade Homelessness Exhibition Group is planning a blanket drive! New or gently used blankets will be collected from
Monday, February 24 - Friday, March 6
to help the homeless. Please drop them off in front of Mrs. Cunningham's office. We appreciate your support in advance.
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All Pro Dad Meeting: February 25
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Students and their male role models from
both schools
are invited to the next All Pro Dad meeting on
Tuesday, February 25 from 7 - 7:45 a.m. in the Upper School cafeteria.
A light breakfast will be provided, along with coffee from
The D.E.W. Good Academy Cafe.
What's All Pro Dad?
It's a group of dads/father figures dedicated to strengthening the relationships with the children in their lives.
Why come?
You'll connect with your student(s) and explore ways to positively impact your community and family.
Register now.
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Save the Date: Black History Month Celebration
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The Upper School Student Council is planning an exciting and inspiring Black History Month Celebration on
Friday, February 28.
Soul food will be available in the cafeteria from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. and the
show will begin at 6:30 p.m.
in the Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression. The program was written by 10th grade student, Joy Agummadu in partnership with her mother, Paris Agummadu. The performance will include Kat Choreography, God's Anointed, Student Gospel Choir, Queen Monteca and Art by Kayode Malomo.
If you are interested in performing, volunteering or bringing a soul food dish or utensils/plates, please
sign up here
. Questions?
Email Mrs. Daniels.
Thanks in advance!
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Visit The D.E.W. Good Academy Cafe
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York Academy is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about education for the following positions:
- Spanish Teacher
- Instructional Assistants
- Part-time Cafeteria Assistants
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The Kids Heart Challenge (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) is in full swing! So far, we have raised a total of $2,111.81, which is over 25% of the way to our $7,125 goal!
Remember, if we surpass the goal, the students will get to vote on the way they'd like to celebrate. This includes having a reward class during physical education, having Miss Kinard wear a dress to school, or even turning her into a human sundae!
The deadline is March 6.
Students can turn in their donations in person or raise funds online. Let's beat our goal again this year!
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Through the IB Lens
Hear from PYP educators on the importance of student-centred learning and fostering self-motivation. These two aspects improve the quality of the learning experience and outcomes. The PYP ignites curiosity and encourages learners to ask questions. In this video, PYP teachers and students explain how inquiry and critical thinking skills are used in the classroom and beyond.
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School in Session
School will be in session on Monday, February 17 (make up day from January 8).
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Knights of the Arts
7 p.m.
Join us for the 2nd Trimester Knights of the Arts talent showcase!
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PTO Dress Down Day
Students may dress casually in the school-appropriate clothing of their choice with a $1 donation towards the efforts of the York Academy PTO.
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York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001
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