With February 1 just around the corner, all of us at York Academy are excited about the return to in-person learning. Thank you to all parents for completing the learning-model selection form for your child. This information is essential for us to finalize our reopening plans, so if you have not submitted the selection form, please do so by the end of the day.  

The data released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows that York County is still experiencing a substantial spread of COVID-19. As a result, we will operate a blended model of instruction starting on February 1. This means that students who attend in-person will learn from home (virtually) on Wednesdays so that our staff can clean and sanitize the buildings. 

Many states across the nation are stepping up to provide direction and logistical support for testing within K-12 schools. For example, Massachusetts invited all schools to participate in a pooled testing program managed at the state level. Texas provided schools with rapid tests to be used as an additional screening tool against COVID-19. Minnesota requires all schools providing in-person learning to offer on-site testing. While Pennsylvania has not quite caught up yet, there is no reason for York Academy to delay action. This is why we will be piloting pooled testing throughout the month of February for students and staff. Parents/guardians will need to provide consent in order for their child to participate in the testing program. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse, Mrs. Urey at murey@yorkarcs.org. Consent forms will be sent out to all parents on Monday, January 25. 

Warm regards,

Ms. Sugarek

Click here or on the graphic below to read this week's Upper School newsletter, "The Round Table" from Mrs. Alvarnaz. You can watch a virtual tour of the Upper School and get details about Trivia Night on Wednesday, January 27 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

We're holding a uniform swap! Parents may drop off gently used uniform pants, shorts and tops at the Upper School on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Look for collection boxes in the vestibule near the main office.

The clothing will be washed, sorted and ready for parents to pick up on Thursday and Friday in the Lower School gym. Please use the doors by the courtyard/gym on W. North Street (to the left of the main office). The times are:

The York Academy Apparel Store is open! You are welcome to order uniform and spirit wear items through Monday, February 8. Please note that spirit wear items may not be worn as part of the uniform. Orders will be ready for pickup in late February/early March, and we will let you know when they arrive.

Did you know that the York Academy Dress Code has been updated since last school year? Review it here in English or here in Spanish.

Congrats to Upper School Computer Science/Design Teacher, Tyler Kline, for being our Knight Staff Superstar and embodying the IB learner profile attribute of being a thinker! Thinkers use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. They exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

I just want to remind you that breakfast and lunch will remain free for all students through the end of this school year. This includes our in-school learners, our e-learners and children under 18 in the community.

Our curbside grab-and-go meal service will continue at the Upper School from 12 – 1 p.m. each day that school is in session. This includes Wednesdays, when our buildings are closed for deep cleaning. If we are unable to serve meals due to inclement weather, families will receive a phone call from the school, and it will be posted on our website and social media (Facebook and Instagram).

Menus for the Lower and Upper School can be found on our website under the Parent Resources tab (look for Food Services). Please email me with any questions or concerns.

Beginning on February 1, Chromebook Repairs for e-learners will be by appointment only. If you are learning from home and in need of Chromebook repairs, please complete this form. You will need to choose an appointment time and provide details about your problem. This will ensure that a tech will be available to assess and complete the repair or issue you a loaned Chromebook to use during the repair process.

The form will also be available at www.yorkacademy.com and will be shared on your child's Canvas page. Students choosing in-person learning should report issues to their teacher and the teacher will submit a repair ticket.

Things are getting creative in virtual PE! Fifth grader Jayne Kleinfeld (pictured) created her very own floor hockey stick. Several other 4th, 5th and 6th graders have also shown their creativity and open-mindedness during our at home floor hockey unit by using brooms, pool noodles and other miscellaneous objects. Great work to all of these students for their continued efforts to make this unit a success!

Open enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year will take place from February 1 - March 31. The link to apply online will be posted on our website on February 1. The lottery will take place on April 5.

We are offering Virtual Information Sessions and Open Houses during February and March so families can learn about York Academy. Click here for more details.

Please note that if your child is currently on the waiting list you will need to reapply, since applications are not permitted to roll over from year to year.

We've noticed that some of the contact information we have for our parents/guardians is outdated. Please update us if your email, address or phone number changes so that we can keep in touch with you. This is especially important during the pandemic and in case of an emergency.

Call the Lower School Office at (717) 801-3900 or the Upper School Office at (717) 900-5001 to keep us in the know. Thank you!