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Knight News
January 3, 2020
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Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got to enjoy some memorable time together.
We know that many of our students may have received new technology as gifts and are excited to use them. But, as tempting as that can be, technology is very distracting in a classroom setting. Since we are an IB school, the focus must be on learning. As we start off 2020, I'd like to share a new policy that has been put into place at the Upper School.
- All cell phones are to be off or on silent mode (not on vibrate).
- Cell phones must remain in lockers all day.
- Cell phones may only be out of students lockers with a teacher's permission.
Please be aware that if a student does not follow the policy, their phone will be immediately confiscated and turned into the office. We will call the parent/guardian who is listed as an emergency contact and they will have to come to pick up the cell phone during school hours. In addition, failure to adhere to the policy or repeated violations will result in consequences being issued in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Here's a quick video to help you understand the reasoning behind the new policy.
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This is also a good time to consider monitoring your child's cell phones/tablets and digital habits.
Teens may be technologically savvy, but their maturity levels are often playing catch-up. It's also hard for them to understand that impulsive behavior now can have negative implications later. Here are a few tips:
Nothing is private or anonymous.
Talk with your student and make sure they understand that messages or pictures they share (texts, apps, social media, Internet, etc.) are never truly private. It's important for them to realize that anyone can - and probably will - forward their pictures or messages to others. It only takes a second to hit send, but it can be embarrassing or hurtful forever. Depending on the photos, it can also be illegal.
Know your student's friends.
Be aware of who they spend their time with - in person and online (ex. social media). Know who they're texting and check their phone contacts from time to time.
Monitor what your student posts online.
Make sure you know their passwords and check their accounts. Although teens crave independence, parents are ultimately responsible for their health and well-being. You can never be too safe!
Consider parental monitoring software.
There are many options available through apps and your cell phone provider.
Set appropriate limits now to prevent future issues.
Talk about what's appropriate behavior online and via text. Just as we've set boundaries at school, it's good to have them in place at home. Maybe that includes no texting at meals, during family time or after a certain time.
These conversations are not easy. It's important to let them know you care and that you have their best interests at heart, just as we do, too.
Warm regards,
Angela Sugarek
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Congratulations to
Gleny
,
a 10th grader who was chosen as our "Student Spotlight." Gleny was nominated for embodying the
IB attribute
of being
principled
. 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.
Gleny works hard in her classes to understand and complete assignments. She is very persistent and never gives up. She also works to improve her personal project, incorporating guidance from her mentor. Way to go, Gleny. Keep it up!
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Mrs. Chester and Upper School members of our National Art Honor Society (NAHS) are hosting the next “Parents’ Night Out"
tonight at the Upper School from 6 - 9 p.m.
The children
will play games, enjoy snacks and watch "Small Foot" 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 students in advance (not required).
Thank you in advance for your support of the visual arts at York Academy!
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Lower School Physical Education Teacher,
Miss Janel Kinard
, 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.
Miss Kinard goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the children. She builds great rapport with them and collaborates well with her colleagues. Thanks for being such a great leader and team player, Miss Kinard!
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We’re getting ready for York Academy’s MYP spring musical,
"School of Rock,"
which is based on the 2003 movie with Jack Black! Auditions for students who are interested in singing, dancing, acting will take place
the week of January 6
. Students who would like to play an instrument in the pit band may audition
the week of January 13.
Click here to view the audition dates and details.
Rehearsals will begin at the end of February (pit band will start earlier). They will take place after school, typically from 4 - 6 p.m. and a calendar will be available soon. It's going to be a fun and energetic show! Make sure to save the dates:
- Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
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It's basketball season! Please come out and cheer on our Girls and Boys Basketball Teams (grades 5/6, 7/8 and 9/10).
Click here
to view the York Academy website calendar and find out when they're playing next. All home games will take place in the Wagman Gymnasium at the Upper School. We hope to see you there. Go Knights!
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Musings of the MYP Coordinator
By Mrs. Carol Alvarnaz
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Welcome to 2020 and Happy New Year! As we move into this new calendar year, we are also moving into the middle of the second trimester.
Becoming independent and reflective learners benefits our students as they grow through MYP. York Academy has chosen the Managebac platform to help our students be aware of how they are progressing in their classes and to schedule out upcoming due dates and expectations. At this point in the trimester, I encourage you to take some time to review your child’s grades with them.
Click on the graphics below to watch two videos that will guide you through the process.
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Should you have any trouble logging into Managebac, feel free to
email me
or call me at (717) 900-5001, ext. 2300.
If you still have questions after reviewing grades with your child, please reach out to their classroom teachers. They would welcome the opportunity to answer your concerns and support you and your student!
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We're gearing up for 2nd Trimester Clubs! Confirmations or club refund notices were sent home with students today (1/3). If your child is enrolled in a club or WIN, please note that they will begin
the week of January 13.
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Mrs. Winters, our Lower School Visual Arts Teacher, is seeking volunteers with the necessary clearances to
photograph student work
for their digital portfolios. No photography experience or camera is needed.
Click here
to review the available time slots and sign up. If you have questions, or the times do not work for you, please
email Mrs. Winters
. Thank you.
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Traffic Safety Reminder for Lower School Parents
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Parents, we need your help to keep our Lower School students safe! Please remember that dropping students off on either Beaver Street or North Street is strongly discouraged and very dangerous. In addition, students should use the manned crosswalks. Both streets are extremely busy during morning drop-off and it is often difficult to see young ones exiting vehicles or crossing streets between cars.
You may drop off your student(s) at the rear entrance to the Lower School. To access this entrance, turn onto Cherry Lane from North Street and proceed to the drop-off spot. Staff are always available to escort the students inside. Thanks for your help with this important issue. Let's all work together to keep our students safe!
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Visit The D.E.W. Good Academy Cafe
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Have little ones? Come for
"Coffee & Crayons"
next Tuesday and Thursday from 8 - 10 a.m
. Sip coffee or tea and relax, while they color winter themed pictures and watch "The Secret Life of Pets 2." 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.
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Support Our Furry Friends at the York County SPCA
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In the spirit of the holiday season, Kindergarten has been working to help our furry friends at the
York County SPCA
. All students are encouraged to bring in needed items that will benefit the animals. They include:
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Stamps
- Peanut butter
- Distilled water
- Clay cat litter
- Canned and dry cat and dog food
- Kitchen washcloths and hand towels
- Dryer sheets
- Post-it notes
- Styrofoam bowls
- Duct tape
- Hand sanitizer
- Air freshener (spray)
- Gift cards to Walmart, Giant, Lowes & Staples
Please send all money and/or donations to any kindergarten classroom
by January 31
. Thank you for your help with Kindergarten's community service project!
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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 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Dennis P. Baughman Center for Creative Expression. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and food will be available until 6:30 p.m. in the Upper School cafeteria.
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Save the Date: All Pro Dad Meeting
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Students from both schools and their male role models are invited to the next "All Pro Dad" meeting on
Tuesday, January 28 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.
"All Pro Dad" is a group of dads/father figures dedicated to strengthening their relationships with the children in their lives. During each session, the adults will be encouraged to explore various attributes related to positively impacting their students, while building their capacity as community and family members.
Click here to learn more and register for the meeting.
Everyone is welcome!
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2020-21 Open House Information Sessions
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Please share the dates of our Open House Information Sessions with your friends/family members who want to learn more about 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.
No RSVP is required and tours will be held after each presentation. If you have any questions,
click here
to email us. You may also call the Lower School at (717) 801-3900 or the Upper School at (717) 900-5001.
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Save the Date: 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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York Academy is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about education for the following positions:
- First Grade Teacher
- Instructional Assistant (both schools)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor
Click here
for details and share this email to anyone who may be interested.
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Attendance Policy Reminders
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Too many absences - excused or unexcused - can keep students from succeeding in school and in life. Even missing 10% of the school year (or two days/month) makes an impact at all grade levels!
When students are absent less, their reading skills and grades tend to improve. They also feel more connected to their school community and form strong friendships. This helps them to be more engaged in class, pass important courses and stay on track for graduation. Being an advocate for regular school attendance is a way
you
can be a champion for your student and put them on the path for a bright future!
With the start of a new (calendar) year, we'd like to remind you of our attendance policies, which are in place to ensure that students attend school and are successful.
All parents/guardians are responsible for providing school officials with written verification of the reason (notes and/or documentation) for each absence within three days of the student’s return to school. Any absence beyond 10 total days requires a written medical excuse signed by a physician.
The following may be designated as valid excuses for absence of a student from school if satisfactory evidence or documentation for the excuse is provided to school officials:
- Death in the Immediate Family. An absence resulting from the death of a member of the student’s immediate family. The immediate family of a student includes, but is not necessarily limited to, parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters.
- Medical or Dental Appointments. An absence resulting from a medical or dental appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of regularly scheduled school hours. Notice should be given to the teacher prior to the absence, except in the case of an emergency.
- Illness or Injury. An absence resulting from illness or injury that prevents the student from being physically able to attend school. Any student missing three or more consecutive school days requires a note from a physician. Students who are sent home by the school nurse may not return for 24 hours if indicated by nursing staff or as outlined in the Illness and Medication Section of the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
- As a reminder, you may submit an absence form through our website. Click here and bookmark this page.
- Quarantine. An absence that is ordered by the local health office or by the State Board of Health.
- Court or Administrative Proceedings. An absence resulting from the attendance of a student at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness.
- Observance of a Religious Holiday. An absence may be considered excused if the tenets of a religion, to which a student or his/her parent adhere, require observance of a religious event.
- Educational Leave of Absence Policy. A planned educational leave of absence requires a formal application to the Head of School at least five (5) school days in advance of the scheduled leave of absence. Such request must include the dates, destination, purpose of the trip, a description of the educational value, and specific plans for enrichment, and arrangements that have been made for making up missed classroom work. Application for educational tours or trips to occur during any pre established testing, student-led conferences, or examination periods, including mid-term, final exam periods or PSSA testing will not be approved. Absences during such periods will be considered unexcused. Click here to view the Educational Trip form or pick one up at either office.
- Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group. A student shall be excused for participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group upon request prior to the event.
- Other excused absences/late arrivals as defined by the Public School Code of 1949, the Pennsylvania Code or by Board policy.
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Through the IB Lens
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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Early Dismissal & School Spirit Day
Lower School: 12:15 p.m.
Upper School: 12:30 p.m.
Click here
to review the guidelines for school-appropriate attire.
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No School (Holiday)
There is no school for students in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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PTO Dress Down Day
Students may dress casually in the school-appropriate clothing of their choice with a $1 donation to the efforts of the York Academy PTO.
Click here
to review the guidelines for school-appropriate attire.
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York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001
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