Congratulations AP Students |
|
The scores of the national Advanced Placement (AP) exams for high school students are in and York Catholic students have again excelled.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer high school students college level rigor with AP students dedicating long hours of study that begin during the summer months and end in May with a national exam. AP courses are offered through College Board and graded on a scale of 1-5 with one the lowest grade possible and five the highest grade possible. Many colleges and universities accept a score of three or higher for college credit, a motivating factor for the students enrolled.
York Catholic offers Advanced Placement courses in English Language & Composition, English Literature, U.S. History, Calculus, Biology, and 2D Art and Design.
This spring, York Catholic Advanced Placement students took a total of 94 AP exams and achieved an 83% pass rate of a 3 or higher. Of the students who took the exams, 28% scored a 5 and 37% scored a 4.
AP Scholars with Distinction are students who earn scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams. The following graduates from the class of 2023 have been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction: Daniel Giesselbach, Magdalene Motter, Luis Nguyen, Sean Warren, Mary Zelis.
AP Scholars with Honor are students who earn scores of 3 or higher on four AP exams. The following graduate from the class of 2023 has been recognized as an AP Scholar: John Weisser.
AP Scholars are students who earn scores of 3 or higher on three AP exams. The following graduates from the class of 2023 have been recognized as an AP Scholar: Jillian Bick, Madison Bick, Madelyn McKee, Justin Melhorn, Emily Raugh. The following current students have been recognized as AP Scholars: Miranda Kovach, Carina Roberts.
Congratulations to all of our AP students and to their teachers for the excellent preparation!
|
|
August 28 - First Day of School for Grade 7 only
August 29 - First Day of School for Grades 8-12 only; Grade 7 does not report to school
August 30 - All Students Grades 7-12 Report
Students should arrive to homerooms by 8:15 AM in full uniform. Dismissal is at 3 PM. Please click the button below for the 2023-2024 York Catholic Student Handbook. The Dress Code is detailed on pages 16-20.
|
|
Required Back-to-School Forms |
|
Back-to-School forms were due yesterday. If you missed the deadline, please complete the forms now. It is critical that we have emergency information for your child on file.
York Catholic uses FamilyID.com for our online forms. If your family had a student at York Catholic last year, please continue to use that account information for your log-in and password. If you are new to YC, please create your online FamilyID account now. Complete details about setting up an account can be found by clicking the button below.
Once your account is set-up, please click the button below to be directed to the online Back-to-School Packet for 2023-24. It should only take a few minutes to complete.
|
|
Student Medical Requirements for 2023-24 |
Immunizations
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established school immunization requirements for all students. The regulations are intended to ensure that children attending school in PA are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. A child must have the required medically-appropriate vaccines or a plan to complete those vaccines or risk exclusion from school.
Children in grades 7-12 need the following immunizations for attendance:
- 4 doses of tetanus * (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of diphtheria* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
- 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (usually given as MMR)
- 3 doses of hepatitis B
- 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
- 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) – age 11 or older
- 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
1st dose is given 11-15 years of age; a 2nd dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.
If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
* Usually given as DTaP or DTP or DT or Td
RETURNING STUDENTS
If you submitted doctor’s documentation of the administration of these vaccines previously to the York Catholic nurse, you do not need to repeat this step unless an additional booster or immunization is needed or has been given in the past year.
- Students entering grades 10, 11, & 12 – please note the dose requirements for the MCV vaccine.
-
If any of the required immunizations were not be given by August 2, 2023, please click here for the PLAN form to detail the dates the immunizations are scheduled to be given or have your child’s physician email or fax the date and time of your child’s appointment on your physician’s office letterhead.
NEW STUDENTS
All new students must submit doctor’s documentation of the dates the above doses were administered to the York Catholic nurse.
-
If any of the required immunizations were not be given by August 2, 2023, please click here for the PLAN form to detail the dates the immunizations are scheduled to be given or have your child’s physician email or fax the date and time of your child’s appointment on your physician’s office letterhead.
Under Pennsylvania state law, students without the required immunizations or a plan with scheduled dates of administration on file, cannot be admitted to school.
Immunization documentation was due to the nurse August 2. If you have not emailed her or dropped the information off at school, please contact her now.
|
|
Incoming 11th Grade Physicals
The School Health Law of Pennsylvania requires that all children must have a medical examination upon entry into grade 11. A medical examination is also required for those children who have transferred to York into any grade from other states or from other Pennsylvania areas and who have not sent records of previous examinations. Please click the button below for the School Physical Form to be completed by a private physician. The form was due to the school nurse on August 2. If you have not returned the form to the school nurse, please do so now at tbrocius@yorkcatholic.org. The athletic physical does NOT fulfill Pennsylvania’s 11th Grade Physical requirement.
|
|
Incoming Parents – 7th Grade Dentals
The School Health Law of Pennsylvania requires that children receive a dental examination upon entry into grade 7. Please click the button below for the School Dental Form to be completed by a private dentist. The form was due to the school nurse on August 2. If you have not returned the form to the school nurse, please do so now at tbrocius@yorkcatholic.org.
|
|
If you have not received your bus transportation information from the school district where you live, please click on the link below to print and complete your form. Please mail your form to the school district where you reside immediately so your stop can be included in the schedule.
|
|
Our parking lot is lined with directional signs and slanted spaces. One-way traffic will be observed. The entrance to the lot is by the marquee and the exit is by the softball field (with the exception of deliveries and buses for athletics and band). Directional arrows show both ways, but please adhere to the one-way traffic pattern. Also, please use forward facing parking only; do not back into the spaces. The small parking area behind the auditorium and parking in the rear of the building are for staff only.
Parents picking up students at the end of the school day should use the main parking lot, not the bus circle (it is OK to use the bus circle for morning drop-off). Cars may not park in the street or stop at the walkway from the school to the parking lot. Cars must enter the parking lot and pull forward to the end along the front of the building to wait for your student. There will be 2 rows of one-way traffic. This will keep traffic congestion off of the street.
|
|
York Catholic Middle & High School is transitioning uniform companies from Flynn O’Hara to Dennis Uniforms. For the 2023-24 school year, families will have the option to continue to use the Flynn’s they have or purchase new Dennis uniforms. Flynns will no longer be available for purchase. The old crest logo on uniforms will not be permitted after the 2023-24 school year, but Flynns with the newer YC-letters logo will be permitted. Click the button below for more information from Dennis Uniforms.
Shopping:
-
Visit dennisuniform.com
- Create a Dennis account to receive promotions, updates, and more
- Enter School Code: BT00YC
Please do not be concerned about the Pre-Order notification that appears on the Dennis website. It is a generic notification that will disappear soon. Please rest assured that Dennis is prepared for the upcoming school year and does not anticipate any delivery issues for orders placed by today, August 10.
Customer Service:
|
|
Gym uniforms are available for purchase through the online YC Spirit Store which can be accessed on the YC website or by clicking the button below. Sports apparel is also available through the same link. Families can select their garment of choice and add whichever sports logo they prefer!
|
|
The Student Supply List is now available for the upcoming school year. It is posted on the website and can also be accessed by clicking the button below. The Middle School list is sorted by grade. The High School list is sorted by subject and teacher. Teacher assignments will be noted on student schedules that will be accessible on the dates noted above. Some teachers will announce the supplies needed for their classes on the first day the class meets. |
|
Student Class Schedules 2023-24 |
Students’ requests for courses were subject to approval by teachers. With few exceptions, these requests have been honored. Barring computer errors, we do not foresee a necessity to change rosters.
-
Schedules for incoming 7th graders will be mailed the week of August 7.
-
All other new students will receive their schedules at New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 17.
-
Students in grades 8-12 will be able to access their schedules online through their Focus portal the week of August 7.
Anyone with an outstanding balance will not have access to a schedule until their balance is paid.
Any request for a course change must be accompanied by a written parental request, teacher approval (as originally needed), and a $25 Late Roster Change Fee. Since the Master Roster is built according to the original registration of students, we cannot guarantee admission to particular classes. For incoming new students, if an error has been made in placement, teachers will initiate the needed change and no fee will be assessed. Students requesting schedule changes must do so during the Add Drop period, which ends September 15, and no changes will be made after that date. Level changes, however, will be considered into the first quarter at the discretion of the subject teacher for any student who has been inaccurately placed in a course.
|
|
New Parents (Grades 8-12)
Thursday, August 17, from 6-7 PM
New Students (Grades 8-12)
Thursday, August 17, from 6-7 PM
New Parents (Grade 7)
Thursday, August 17, from 7-8 PM
New Students (Grade 7)
Monday, August 28, from 8:15 AM-3 PM
International Students and Host Families
Monday, August 28, from 12-2 PM
|
|
York Catholic Middle & High School uses FOCUS, an online student information system, that is the home for students’ class schedules, grades, and Lunchtime accounts. FOCUS is very easy to use and is an asset in keeping up-to-date with your child’s education and progress. For future convenience, the FOCUS logo is at the bottom of the home page of York Catholic’s website at yorkcatholic.org. Click on the logo to be directed to the FOCUS website.
YC families and students who used FOCUS last year should use the same ID and password this school year.
Students new to YC in grades 8-12 will receive their login information at orientation on August 17.
Families new to YC will receive an email about creating a new account on August 18.
7th graders will receive their login information on the first day of school, August 28.
|
|
York Catholic requires all families to use the FOCUS Lunchtime program in order to purchase items from the school cafeteria. Through this system, parents are able to view what their students are purchasing in the cafeteria and their lunch account balances. The following policies are in place regarding Lunchtime Accounts and Balances. We encourage parents to sign up for email notification when their Lunchtime account balances are getting low.
- Parents may deposit money electronically into their child’s lunchtime account through their Focus account. Any deposit after 8 am will be credited to the account by the next business day.
- Checks and/or cash are not accepted in the cafeteria for food purchases during lunch periods. It is the responsibility of the student to submit a check (not cash) in a sealed envelope (clearly labeled with his/her name, grade, and student ID number) and place it in the Lunchtime box located in the cafeteria for the student’s account to be credited. The minimum check amount is $10. Funds may not be available for 24 hours.
- It is the student and parent’s responsibility to monitor the Lunchtime account online for balance information and retain a positive balance at all times.
- If a student has a lunchtime balance at $0.00 or below, they will only have the option to purchase a lunch consisting of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit, and 8 oz. drink for $3.00.
- No refunds will be given during the school year. Seniors will be issued a refund on accounts with a balance of $5 or more after graduation unless they have a sibling enrolled at YC in which case the balance will be transferred to the sibling for the next school year. All underclassmen accounts will roll-over to the next school year.
- Report cards and Focus access will be held at the end of each quarter if Lunchtime balances are not current.
Families who are returning to YC this school year can use their same FOCUS ID and password they used last year. Families new to YC will receive their FOCUS account instructions via email August 18.
|
|
Middle School Theology Books |
Students in Grades 7 & 8 purchase textbooks for their Theology course. The texts will be used in class each day and then may be kept at the end of the year as a valuable reference for the future. The cost of the textbook is $25 and will be charged to your Simple Tuition Solutions (STS) account on August 10. The Theology Department looks forward to guiding students in their faith development.
|
|
Please add the YC website to your Favorites and visit it often: www.yorkcatholic.org. York Catholic uses the YC website and emails as resources for information for our parents and students. For the website, use the Parents & Students tab to access News & Announcements, Forms & Documents, and Resources throughout the year. Be sure to check your email every Thursday for the “Irish Eye” e-newsletter that contains important information and reminders. If it’s not showing up in your Inbox, check your Spam folder and mark info@yorkcatholic.org as a safe sender and not spam.
|
|
Dress Code
- Skirts may not be rolled at the waist.
- Hair for males must be trimmed to a length that is above the eyebrows, ears, and shirt collar.
- White socks are permitted for boys.
- When casual dress is permitted, hoods of hoodie sweatshirts must remain down.
- For formal events, ladies’ gowns may not have slits higher than two inches above the knee.
Detention
- Detention will be held in total silence.
- Removal from detention due to inappropriate behavior will result in a major infraction.
Water Bottles
Students are permitted to carry clear water bottles during school hours. Students may use a clear disposable water bottle (16.9 oz.), or a York Catholic reusable bottle available online through the Spirit
Store (clear 22 oz. sports bottle with a straw and spill-proof lid.)
|
|
Summer Reading
We are adjusting our summer reading program this year, opting to give York Catholic students more choice in what they read, hoping that students can find a book that is a true page turner. Our goal has always been to keep students reading through the summer months, but getting students to put down the phone and pick up a book is ever more challenging. In expanding our recommended list, we hope to ensure that there is something for everyone, and that the summer read is a positive experience and a fun adventure. Our English Department invested time developing reading lists per grade level, to include a few classics, nonfiction, realistic and historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia. Take time with your student(s) this spring to peruse the list, making sure their book choice meets with your parental approval. A synopsis is included with each title to assist with selection. We removed the written assignment that has been a part of our summer reading program, and will instead ask students to respond to a written prompt referencing their title once they are back in the classroom in late August. Honors and AP students will still be expected to complete assigned reading above and beyond what is asked otherwise; those assignments are listed as well. We wish your family a safe and fun-filled summer, and invite all of you to pick up one of the titles listed to enjoy on the beach, by the pool, on a long car ride, or in a shady chair in the backyard. Happy reading, everyone! Click the button below for the class reading lists.
Summer Math
Keeping students' math skills strong during the summer months helps to avoid the "summer slide" and aids in less review time when school resumes. Students should complete the summer math work that corresponds with the class they will be entering in the fall. Assignments are due September 1. Click the button below for the assignments list.
|
|
As seniors and juniors are planning their SAT testing dates, keep in mind that the SAT will be offered at York Catholic to current seniors on October 11 and current juniors on March 25. This is a great opportunity for our students to take the test in a familiar testing environment without the stress of taking it at an area public school. Registration and payment for seniors are due to Mrs. Hand by September 11. Cost for the exam is $60 and checks should be made out to York Catholic. Registration for this exam is non-refundable. Registration information for juniors will be available in January.
|
|
Each year YC enters into a contract with a professional photographer, Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch, for the senior pictures appearing in our yearbook. All senior yearbook photos must be taken by Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch. Pictures from any other photographer cannot be accepted for the yearbook. If any senior did not get their picture taken in June, they will be receiving mailed information from Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch with instructions regarding guidelines and the scheduled time of your student’s senior picture at York Catholic on August 28. Please arrive prior to your scheduled appointment so you are ready for your assigned time. If you do not receive a postcard by August 20, please call Lifetouch at 1-800-736-4775.
Every senior must get their picture taken, however, seniors are under no obligation to purchase the photo. If desired, students can purchase yearbook photo packages from Lifetouch. Lifetouch contributes a portion of package purchases back to York Catholic.
Please observe the following guidelines regarding appearance for photos. All gentlemen must be clean shaven and wear a dress shirt, tie, and sport coat or suit jacket. Hair must be regulation length. No piercings are allowed. Ladies will be provided with a black shoulder drape for photos. Only necklaces and earrings are allowed for the yearbook picture of the young women. Hair must be of a natural color. No facial jewelry is permitted. Please reference pages 17-21 of the Student Handbook for further clarification.
If you have any questions, please contact Lifetouch at 1-800-736-4775
|
|
York Catholic Middle & High School is seeking to fill the following positions.
- English Teacher
- Spiritual Life Coordinator
- Substitute Teachers
- Cafeteria Aide
- Cafeteria Volunteers
- Coaches
If you or someone you know might be interested in joining our team, please click the button below for complete information.
|
|
The Virtue=Strength program is devoted to virtue formation through school, athletics, parish, and/or the community. It is designed to be used by teachers and staff across the entire student body. Each week a different virtue is highlighted to share with our students. Click below for the Virtue=Strength Virtue of the Week that helps parents reinforce virtue formation at home.
|
|
Fall sports teams begin practice on Monday, August 14. For exact practice times, contact the head coach or Josh Cross at jcross@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1330.
|
|
Tuesday, August 15, is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our chaplain, Father Kuchinski, will celebrate Mass for our staff and fall teams at 12 noon. This Mass will fulfill the Holy Day of Obligation.
|
|
Mental Health for Student-Athletes
|
Parents are invited to “Mental Health for Student-Athletes” on Sunday, August 27, from 7-8 PM at the Willman Business Center’s Weinstock Lecture Hall on the campus of York College. A Wellness Fair will also be held from 5:30-7:30 PM. The symposium is free and registration is not required.
|
|
All York Catholic students are admitted free to all home sporting events when they present their student ID at the ticket counter. Until 2023-24 student IDs are available, students should use last year's IDs. Students new to YC will be given their temporary student IDs at orientation. Students arriving at the athletic ticket counter without their student ID will be required to pay admission.
Parents, family members, and fans who wish to purchase an All-Year Sports Pass can do so by clicking the button below for the form.
|
|
Parents of music and choral students are welcome to attend the York Catholic Music Association meeting on Tuesday, August 15, at 8 PM. The meetings usually last approximately one hour and everyone’s input and feedback are welcomed and appreciated. Your help in planning and implementing the efforts of the YCMA are critical.
|
|
The YC Music Association is holding a Car Wash on Saturday, August 12, from 10 AM-1 PM at the York Catholic bus circle entrance. Come out and get an exterior car wash while supporting a good cause with your donation.
|
|
All skill levels are welcome at the York Catholic Golf Tournament on Monday, September 18, at the Out Door Country Club. Check-in starts at 8:30 AM with a Shotgun Start at 9 AM.
Click the button below to register by September 1.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available to get your business recognized.
For more information about the tournament, contact Laurie Moir at lmoir@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1322.
|
|
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 this barcode 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.
|
|
Box Tops for Education
Check your boxed and canned goods for the Box Tops for Education logo and use the Box Tops app to scan your receipt. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to YC’s earnings online. Be sure to select York Catholic High School as your school of choice. Complete details can be found at https://www.boxtops4education.com/
|
|
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!
|
|
Tax Season is Coming - Give Yourself a Break! |
Parents, would you like to save on your State Income Tax return? Additionally, what if I told you those savings can have a direct impact on York Catholic students? Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? If you file for, and are accepted, as a Special Purpose Entity (SPE), it’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the tax liability on your personal tax return. Please continue reading for additional information.
Pennsylvania now allows individuals to take advantage of EITC Tax Credits (just as businesses can) whereby you have the opportunity to re-direct 90% of your personal state income taxes to York Catholic Middle & High School.
The Special Purpose Entity (SPE) is based on tax liability, not income, therefore each taxpayer’s situation will differ. Participants must be PA residents where at least one spouse is employed or has an ownership interest in a PA for-profit business. 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 2023, you can find your PA tax liability on Form PA-40 Line 12 of your 2022 tax return. 100% of participant contributions are distributed to the school. You have to pay these taxes regardless, so why not have a say in how your taxes are allocated? Additionally, you will receive at least a 10% personal deduction on your federal taxes. The money you re-direct to York Catholic is for educational purposes, specifically tuition assistance.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your tax liability AND provide much needed assistance to York Catholic students, please follow these steps:
For more information about this easy tax donation, please contact Dave Salter, York Catholic Director of Development at dsalter@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1325.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
