Please click below to carefully review the Diocese of Harrisburg/York Catholic Middle & High School COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan 2021-22. As COVID-19 guidelines evolve, our school will continue to adapt to the recommendations issued by federal, state, Diocesan, and local entities for our area. Any changes will be communicated through the weekly Irish Eye e-newsletter.
UPDATE: 11/10/21
Dear Parents in our Diocesan Catholic Schools,
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court announced November 10, 2021, that the current school masking mandate, instituted by the Department of Health on September 7, has been found void. Very shortly after that ruling was announced, the Department of Health announced that they have “directed counsel to file an appeal today. Filing of the appeal will immediately stay the Commonwealth Court’s decision.”
We understand there are various positions and feelings regarding masking. However, as the appeal has already been filed by the state, we are continuing to require that all students, faculty, staff, visitors, et al. wear a mask when indoors in all of our Diocesan Catholic schools. Our legal team will continue to monitor this case and will provide updates as new information is made available.
We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we work through these ever-changing times. May God bless you and your family.
In Christ,
Mr. Daniel Breen
Secretary for Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Harrisburg
|
|
YC Christmas Cash Calendars |
Thank you, again, to the York Catholic community for the success of our first major fundraiser of the school year. Calendars will be sent home with Middle School and High School students tomorrow, Friday, November 12.
|
|
York Catholic students earned a day off as a result of reaching their goal with the YC Christmas Cash Calendar fundraiser. The earned day off will be Monday, November 29.
|
|
Students who were absent on Picture Day or those who wish to have their picture re-taken, should report to the auditorium lobby Friday, November 12, at 8:30 AM. Students requesting a re-take should bring their original photo package. There is no charge to have pictures taken or re-taken for your yearbook portrait. If you wish to purchase additional photos, place orders online by going to www.mylifetouch.com PRIOR to November 12 and using Picture Day ID# 8J3643TVE (note: this is a different code than the original Picture Day last month).
In addition to the portrait photos, Lifetouch also takes candid action shots at sporting events, music events, and school events throughout the school year that are available for purchase. At this time, the gallery for Fall 2021 is being created. We will notify you through the Irish Eye when it is ready for you to place your orders. These photos will be posted on the YC website under Current Parents & Students-Resources-Photos.
If there is ever an error with your photo order, please contact Lifetouch at 1-800-743-8997 or ltcustomerservice@lifetouch.com. Their Customer Service Department will be best equipped to correct your order or answer your questions.
|
|
Extra-curricular Activities Photos |
Students involved in extra-curricular activities will have their group pictures taken for the yearbook the morning of Friday, November 19. Students are to dress in school uniform.
|
|
Congratulations to our student-athletes involved in post-season play:
Cross Country - Congratulations to our girls team who finished 12th overall and to Moseley Driscoll from our boys team who finished 13th overall in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships.
Girls Volleyball - Congratulations to our District Silver Medalists!
Football - Good luck to our football team as they play for the District Championship vs. Upper Dauphin, tomorrow night, November 12, at 7 PM at York Catholic. Tickets are $8 (YC sports passes cannot be accepted). If you can’t make it to the stadium, the game will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4EXPG-mAYUN4xmUgpgaUrQ
|
|
Marching Band Championships |
The Marching Band closes out its competition season with a final performance at the Cavalcade Championships on Sunday, November 14, at Hersheypark Stadium. The competition begins at 2:25 PM, and YC’s performance is at 4:25 PM. Come out and support our defending champions!
|
|
Thanksgiving Food Collection |
The November mission collection will be our annual food contribution to the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry. Each homeroom is asked to donate a turkey and canned and/or boxed goods for a Thanksgiving dinner to the Food Pantry. Cash donations are also welcome. Items should be stored in each homeroom until Friday, November 12. Please do not bring frozen turkeys until November 12. They cannot be stored at the school.
The following are items needed:
- Boxed desserts (brownies, lemon bars, pumpkin bars, muffin mixes etc.)
- Canned cranberry sauce
- Canned cream of mushroom soup
- Frozen turkey (or money toward this)
Thank you for helping to make a family’s Thanksgiving dinner a special one this year.
|
|
The York Catholic Athletic Booster Club is selling wreaths, poinsettias, and pine roping for your Christmas decoration and gift needs. Orders can be placed now through December 1 at http://www.balsamwreathfund.com. $10 from each purchase goes back to the York Catholic athletic programs. All orders will be delivered to York Catholic for pickup on December 6 from 3-5:30 PM.
|
|
College Financial Aid Night |
A College Financial Aid Night is planned for families on Thursday, November 18, at 6:30 PM at YC. Ms. Diona Brown from the Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will speak about all aspects of financial aid including state and federal grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. She will speak on financial aid for all students regardless of which college they plan to attend. The evening will also include information about completing the FAFSA application for college financial aid. Parents and students who have not yet had the experience of completing the state and federal financial aid forms will find the information extremely valuable. While this presentation is geared toward parents, students are welcome to accompany their parents to get an understanding and appreciation of the financial obligation of a college education. Mask protocol will be observed. Register by emailing your name to YC College and Career Counselor, Michael Rouse, at mrouse@yorkcatholic.org.
|
|
Parents of Seniors:
It is hard to believe we are fast approaching the end of the first quarter during your senior’s last year of high school. Believe it or not, preparations are already underway for the Baccalaureate and Graduation celebration in May. We are writing with three specific updates in this regard.
First, we will be celebrating Baccalaureate and Graduation as a combined ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 7 PM at St. Joseph Church in York. Members of the Class of 2022 will have their Senior Banquet on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Our seniors are required to attend both of these events. More details will be coming to you in April.
Second, we have emailed all of the students asking them to enter size information in a Google form in preparation for their cap and gown orders. We ask the ladies to add approximately 2” to their measured height to allow for high heels, unless they plan to wear flat shoes.
Third, in your December 10, 2021 tuition statement you will find an additional graduation fee charge. In order to assist with the expenses associated with all of the planned activities surrounding Graduation, there is a nominal fee of $100.00 for each senior. This fee includes a cap and gown, diploma, professional 5” x 7” photo of your graduate on stage during the conferral of his/her diploma, and Senior Banquet expenses.
Thank you in advance for your attention to these first steps toward the important celebration of your child’s years of success at York Catholic.
|
|
There will be a special section of the 2022 yearbook reserved only for parents of seniors to send a message to their senior son or daughter. It is a great keepsake and a wonderful way to congratulate your child for all of their years of hard work. The rectangular space costs $20 and can be in full color with a total of 30 words and 1 picture. Photos should be in good condition and printed on photo paper. Please click the button below for the Senior Form and return it with your payment (checks made payable to York Catholic) to Mrs. Nagley no later than Tuesday, November 23.
|
|
York Catholic is offering an SAT Math Prep course for Junior students interested in getting in some extra practice before taking the actual exam. The course will run four Saturday mornings from 9-11:15 AM in classroom 207 with Mrs. Christine Staats (Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, snow makeup day is Feb 26). Cost is $200 and includes the cost of the Kaplan book. Space is limited so do not delay in submitting your registration before January 7. Checks made payable to York Catholic and permission forms should be returned to Mrs. Hand in the main office.
|
|
Middle School Performance |
York Catholic Middle School students will present “The Twilight Cone,” on Friday, November 19, at 7 PM. It’s Marcus's first day working at the Twilight Cone, an ice cream shop owned by his great aunt. When his aunt must run an errand, Marcus forgets his promise to serve only vanilla while he is alone in the store. Strange things begin to occur (time is rewound or slowed down, just to name two) when unusual flavors of ice cream are ordered and eaten. What will happen to Marcus and those who order ice cream from the Twilight Cone? Tickets are $3 for Adults and $1 for Students. Students attending will receive a coupon for a free ice cream treat.
|
|
Our 8th Grade students will be on Retreat at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Harrisburg Diocesan Center on Thursday, November 18. This retreat will tie in with Confirmation as the students will get to know about the Bishop and the Diocese.
|
|
The SportsLeader program, which has primarily been devoted to virtue formation through athletics, has created an expanded model to serve an entire school, parish, and/or community. This new program has a new yet familiar name: Virtue=Strength. This program is an enhancement to the SportsLeader program, yet separate as it is designed to be used by teachers and staff across the entire student body. Click below for the Virtue=Strength parent newsletter that helps reinforce virtue formation at home. |
|
All winter sports teams will begin practices Friday, November 19. For exact practice times, contact the head coach or Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x330.
|
|
We are excited to offer Board and Ski Club again for York Catholic students this winter. Vail Resorts has posted a new ski club program, and with that students will be able to ski with school clubs at a discounted rate. Total cost per student pass is $295, and that covers lift, lesson, and rental. These passes are not good seven days a week as they used to be; they are only good on school club nights. The deadline to purchase this Multi Week Ski Pass is December 3, and that can be done online via the following link:
Scroll down to the section titled: SKI CLUBS / MID-WEEK SCHOOL / HOME SCHOOL
Ski club offers students a ride to the mountain four nights a season, and it helps students connect with others who enjoy the sport. We will ski Friday evenings this year, and weather willing we will make four trips to Roundtop this winter. The YC bus leaves the front parking lot of school at 4:00 PM, and returns by 9:30 PM. Grades 7-12 are welcome, to include beginners, and ineligibility rules apply. Some students have already purchased an epic pass, and all students are welcome to ride the bus with us regardless of the pass that they carry.
Click here for the permission slips for the shuttle; cost is $60.00 per student and covers the season. If you would like to pay for a seat on the bus, please send in a check and permission slip by Friday, January 7. Checks should be made out to York Catholic, and all paperwork should be dropped off for Mrs. Hand in the main office.
Dates for the Friday Shuttle are as follows:
- January 7, 14, and 28
- February 4
- February 11 and 18 (make up dates)
If you have any questions, please email Kathy Hand at khand@yorkcatholic.org. We look forward to some YC fun on the slopes. Come ski or board with us!
|
|
YC Student Performs with Simone Biles |
YC Middle School student Meredith Doores experienced the thrill of a lifetime last Friday night in Philadelphia when she performed in the Gold Across America Gymnastics Tour starring the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles. Meredith's name was selected from a random raffle for the opportunity to perform in the finale of the show. She learned a special dance and then performed it along with approximately 100 other gymnasts. Meredith got her start in gymnastics at the age of 5 and now competes as a Level 8 gymnast for Skyline Gymnastics in York. She is looking forward to competing in the Fifth Annual Biles International Invitational Gymnastics Meet in Houston in January.
|
|
Future Students' Admissions Applications |
New student applications for York Catholic’s 2022-2023 school year are due Friday, November 12. Please contact Heather Hoffman at hhoffman@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x220 if you have any questions. We’re excited to see our Futures join us as YC students next year! Current students will receive their re-enrollment information in January.
|
|
York Catholic is hosting Futures Neon Night for students in grades 4-5-6 on Tuesday, November 23, from 6-8 PM. Our Futures will enjoy a night of games, snacks, and glow stick fun! Cost is $10 and is payable at the door, however, pre-registration is required by November 19 on the YC website or by clicking the button below. Masks are required. Can't wait to see our Futures glow!
|
|
As the holidays approach, please keep in mind these vendors who give a percentage of your purchases back to York Catholic.
Shutterfly
For all of your Shutterfly purchases, visit yorkcatholic.shutterflystorefront.com, instead of shutterfly.com for a percentage of the value of your purchases to go to York Catholic. Please feel free to share this email with your friends, family and co-workers—the more orders we receive through our Storefront, the more YC earns!
Coca-Cola Products
When you make Coca-Cola purchases, you simply enter the product codes here:
Weis Markets
Help YC earn a share of $500,000 from Weis Markets! On your next visit to Weis, simply scan the barcode below or ask your cashier or customer service desk for the YC barcode to scan. The YC barcode only needs to be scanned one time to register. Use your Weis Club Card as usual. You will receive your Club Card benefits, and YC will earn cash based upon your qualifying purchases. Purchases of gas, lottery tickets, postage, alcohol, tobacco, and other products prohibited by law do not qualify. More information can be found in the YC Giving Guide on the website at yorkcatholic.org/give.
|
|
Over the past year, York Catholic has been busy behind the scenes to ensure our vision for Phase II of the Grow Today, Impact Tomorrow Capital Campaign comes to fruition. This summer, the first projects of this phase of the campaign were completed, including the marquee sign and the parking lot. In Summer 2022, it is our hope to begin the Middle School renovations, installation of the bleachers and press box, as well as our Grotto relocation and Rosary Walk addition.
We are excited to announce that we are currently at $3.4 million of our $4.5 million goal! In order to raise the remainder of the funds for Phase II, we need the support of our alumni, parents, and community. There are many ways you can give to the campaign including a one time gift or through a pledge over multiple years. There are also several naming opportunities available to recognize the generosity of donors:
Rosary Walk
Donors contributing $5,000+ will be recognized on our Rosary Walk through a Prayer Bead stone. This beautiful new Rosary Walk will be stationed in the relocated Grotto.
Stadium Facilities
Brand new bleachers will be installed at our Athletic Stadium. Contributions of $1,000 will purchase one bleacher seat* or a bleacher section can be donated for $75,000.
*Please note, the honor of naming the bleacher seat does not guarantee admission to events or reserve the actual seat.
|
|
York Catholic is excited to share some information with you that is sure to change how you view paying your state and federal taxes each year!
If you pay personal state income taxes, you now have the opportunity (whether filing individually or jointly) to choose how these taxes are spent each year by joining a Special Purpose Entity (SPE). SPEs are based on tax liability, not income, therefore each taxpayer’s situation will differ. An individual or couple filing jointly must have a state tax liability of $3,500 or more to participate. To see if you qualify for 2021, you can find your PA tax liability on Form PA-40 Line 12 of your tax return.
You could receive at least a 10% deduction on your personal federal taxes each year, so why not have your personal state income taxes serve as tuition assistance funds, allowing more students to thrive at York Catholic High School?
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please follow these steps:
All SPE funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so NOW is the time to submit your Joinder Agreement for the 2021 Tax Year!
For more information about this easy tax donation, please contact Katie Seufert, York Catholic Principal, at kseufert@yorkcatholic.org.
|
|
If you know a friend, family member, or anyone looking for a high-quality, Christ-centered education for their children who do not already attend a Catholic school, you could receive a $250 credit toward your child's tuition at York Catholic.
York Catholic's Parent Referral Program is a win-win for everyone involved. Referred students receive an outstanding education from York Catholic, while parents of the referred families get peace of mind knowing their child is gaining so much more than just a top-notch education. Families who refer someone who registers at York Catholic receive a $250 credit towards their child's tuition.
You, as parents, are our best ambassadors. In order for the Parent Referral Program to be a success, we need information about individuals who may be interested in joining the York Catholic family. All you need to do is click below to fill out the form. If the family you refer attends York Catholic through their first semester, your family's tuition will be credited $250, spread into 4 credits applied to the months of February, March, April, and May.
It really is that simple. So go ahead. Please click on the box below and allow us the opportunity to do what we love -- help to develop, nurture, and encourage children so they may grow in faith, mind, and heart. Mail or email the form to us and we will take it from there!
The Parent Referral Program is open to all parents of current York Catholic students. The tuition credit is not available for referring your own children. The $250 credit is only good toward tuition on a student's account; no cash is given, and it is non-transferrable. A referred student applies only to a new student from a non-partner school.
Thank you for all you do for our school!
|
|
Previous issues of York Catholic's Irish Eye e-newsletter can be found on the YC website at www.yorkcatholic.org. Go to Parents & Students - News & Announcements and click on the link in the right sidebar under Additional Resources.
|
|
York Catholic Middle & High School
601 E Springettsbury Ave, York PA 17403
717-846-8871
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
