Knight News


September 13, 2019
CEO Corner

Hello York Academy Families:

Last weekend, our PTO hosted the 8th Annual Race Back to School 5K & Fun Run. Special thanks to the race directors, Reid Walsh Nahass and Katie Paxton, who gave generously of their time and talents to make the race a huge success. The PTO doubled their registrants over last year from 150 to 300, while also exceeding their goal and raising over $13,000 to benefit all students at the York Academy. 
                                                                             
Whether your family is new to York Academy or you have been with us since the beginning, it is essential that you join the PTO and support their initiatives. Here are the top five reasons why you should be actively involved with the York Academy PTO : 

  1. Your child benefits. When parents get connected to the school, children get better grades, do better on tests and have fewer discipline problems. By building relationships with your child’s teachers, administrators and office staff, it will be far easier to communicate about any problem (or victory) that occurs throughout the year.
  2. You'll tap into a network. PTO functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, to build rapport and discuss issues that are on your mind. You can share ideas, concerns and experiences to make the school year better for everyone.
  3. You can be part of the solution. By getting involved at York Academy, you can help make positive changes. Our PTO plays an important role in fundraising and building community.
  4. You can meet other parents. The common bond all parents of school-aged children share is that we care about creating the best possible educational experience for our kids. This is especially important because we come from all over York County. 
  5. You can show you care. By participating in the PTO, you become a role model and demonstrate to your child the importance you place on education, as well as on being involved in their world.

Please take a few minutes to email the York Academy PTO and let them know that you'd like to help in their efforts. Make sure to come to the next meeting on Tuesday, October 1 at 6 p.m. in the Lower School Media Center, too. There is always free childcare and everyone is welcome!

Thank you,
Angela Sugarek
Student Spotlight

Congratulations to third grader Sadie, who has been chosen as our "Student Spotlight." Sadie was nominated for being a strong communicator, which is September's IB attribute of the month.

Communicators express themselves confidently and collaborate effectively with others while listening carefully to the perspectives. Sadie is an excellent communicator with her peers during group work. She is a great listener and is always willing to help out another student with even the smallest task. Way to go, Sadie. Keep it up!
Staff Shoutout

Upper School learning support teacher Justine Picciotti, has been an outstanding risk taker by taking on new tasks that others would see as challenging. Mrs. Picciotti is passionate about her job and the students she works with each day. Her selfless acts do not go unnoticed and we appreciate all she does.

Join us in thanking Mrs. Picciotti for being an IB risk taker and collaboratively exploring new ideas and innovative strategies, while approaching uncertainty with determination and resilience.
Monday: Early Dismissal & School Spirit Day

Monday, September 16 is an early dismissal and School Spirit Day. Lower School students will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. and Upper School students will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.
On School Spirit Days when there are early dismissals, students have the opportunity to express their YARCS pride at no cost . They may wear York Academy or college-themed shirts/sweatshirts and school appropriate jeans, shorts or skirts. Students are expected to exercise good judgment in the selection of school appropriate clothing. At a minimum, school appropriate clothing should meet the following standards: 

  • Tops are to be long enough to extend to the waistline of the shorts/pants/skirt, have sleeves and a modest neckline. Crop tops, muscle shirts and spaghetti straps are not school appropriate.
  • Bottoms are to fit at the waistline and should be no more than four inches above the knee. Leggings, tights, yoga pants and pajamas are not school appropriate. 
  • All clothing is to be free of double-meaning, suggestive slogans/words, or advertisements of illegal products or profanity.
  • All clothing is to be in good repair, free of rips or tears.
  • Undergarments are to be completely covered by clothing at all times.
  • Shoes are to have a closed toe and back. Flip flops, slides and slippers are not school appropriate. 

Please note that the York Academy PTO will continue to hold Dress Down Days each month with a $1.00 donation toward their efforts. Those dates will be shared as they arise. School Spirit Days are separate opportunities for students to dress casually and we hope they enjoy it!

Temporary Traffic Changes

Starting tomorrow (Saturday, September 14), W. North Street will be blocked off for construction and will not reopen until the morning of Tuesday, September 17. Please note that on Monday, September 16 - an early dismissal day - the street will be blocked from the corner of N. Beaver and W. North Streets to the corner of W. North Street and N. Cherry Lane. This will still grant us access to our morning drop-off lane, but all traffic MUST enter from W. North Street by way of N. George Street. There should be no impact on traffic moving north or south on Beaver Street. Please click here to view a directional map that will help you understand this temporary traffic change.

Additional construction is planned from Saturday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 23. On Monday, September 23, N. Beaver Street will be blocked from the corner outside of the school at W. North Street through Gay Street alley (to the south where cars exit from the gravel lot).  This will seriously impact traffic for Monday, September 23 on Beaver Street because the buses will not have access for drop-off or pick-up. More information regarding arrival and dismissal procedures will be coming to you next week. Thank you for your attention to this information.  
PTO Updates & Events

The PTO Book Fair is coming up from September 23 – 27 in the multipurpose room. A preview day will take place on Friday, September 20 for students who have an eWallet account. Click here for details including eWallet registration, the hours and volunteer signup information.

Also, if you haven’t returned or paid for your coupon book, please return it as soon as possible. You may also still purchase one. The PTO receives $12.50 back for each book sold, so your support is greatly appreciated!
Attend today. Achieve tomorrow.
Too many absences - excused or unexcused - can keep students from succeeding in school and in life. How many are too many? Even missing 10% of the school year makes an impact! That equals as little as two days per month (or 18 days/year), and it can have a negative impact for students in 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!
Attendance Drive
In honor of Attendance Awareness Month , the United Way of York County is collecting items for students. York Academy is holding an Attendance Drive from Monday, September 16 through Friday, September 27.

Many students miss school simply because they don’t have the small, but critical items they need. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of children in York County and motivate them to attend school every day. Please show your support by dropping off the following items at either school office through September 27:

  • Alarm Clocks
  • Personal Hygiene Items (ex. shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, lotion, feminine products and hairbrushes
  • Non-perishable Breakfast Items
  • Backpacks
  • Lice Kits and Lice Shampoo
Now Hiring: Basketball Coach

York Academy is hiring a basketball coach for the boys or girls teams for the upcoming season. Experience with coaching or playing is preferred. Candidates must have good communication skills, and be highly structured and organized. The following current clearances are required: PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Criminal History Background Check. The deadline to apply is September 21, 2019. Click here for details.
Through the IB Lens

In this video, students and parents share how the PYP develops collaboration and communication skills that support success in school, the community and for future employment. The PYP ignites curiosity and encourages learners to ask questions. Watch PYP teachers and students explain how inquiry and critical thinking skills are used in the classroom and beyond. 
Volunteers Needed: Kindergarten Art Classes

Can you share an hour of your time? Our PYP art teacher, Mrs. Winters, is seeking volunteers during her kindergarten classes from 9:45 - 10:40 a.m. each day (clearances required). You can help out as often or as little as your schedule allows. Please email her for more information. Thank you in advance!

Upcoming Events
9/16
Early Dismissal & School Spirit Day

Lower School: 12:15 p.m.
Upper School: 12:30 p.m.

Please make sure to pick up your student(s) on time so dismissal runs smoothly. Thank you!
9/16-30
Uniform Store Open

The York Academy Online Uniform Store will be open from September 16 - 30.

We will share the link with you on Monday.
9/23-27
PTO Book Fair

A preview day is scheduled on Friday, September 20 for students who have an eWallet account. Click here for details, including eWallet registration, hours and volunteer signup information. 
York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001