Hello York Academy Families:

Next week is going to be exciting at the Upper School. Our first Homecoming Dance is happening, along with Spirit Week, a Homecoming Concert and a Pep Rally! You can read all about the festivities below. 

If you missed my report during last week's Board of Trustees Meeting, click here to watch it. It includes some important topics.

Also, it was National IT Professionals Day yesterday, and I'd like to recognize Steph Barnes (Instructional Technology Specialist) and Conner McGirr (Technology Assistant) for their expertise.

They work behind the scenes to troubleshoot issues and keep our staff and students connected. Many thanks for ensuring they have the technology and tools needed to do their best!

Enjoy your evening, 

Dr. Lowe

Our first Homecoming Dance for students in grades 9-12 is next Saturday, October 1...and it's all about the dress! Students can get a gorgeous Homecoming dress for $20 or less though the National Honor Society Dress Up Drive! There are also shoes, shirts and ties. The "store" will be open until 4:30 on Thursday and Friday, so encourage them to stop by the Café to check things out. There are over 100 dresses to choose from (short and long)! Here are some of them. 

We are still collecting gently used items through next Thursday (9/29), so please drop them off at either office or send them to school with your child. We truly appreciate all the donations we've received. You're helping to make a monumental day in a student's life more exciting and memorable!

Homecoming Spirit Week starts on Monday (9/26) for all Upper School students. Check out the themes that are planned and encourage your student(s) in grades 7 - 12 to get in on the fun!

Please join us for the Homecoming Concert on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m. It will feature music, drama and instrumental performances by our amazing Upper School students. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated. The doors will open at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome (families K-12)!

Next Friday afternoon, all of our Upper School students will go to Smalls Field for a Homecoming Pep Rally! They can choose to play in the flag football game (a house competition), create and perform a house cheer, create a house banner, or cheer for and watch their classmates.

Our inaugural Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, October 1 from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Upper School.

This event is just for students in grades 9-12. The theme is "A Night Under the Stars," and tickets are $12 each. 

If your student plans to bring a date who does not attend YARCS, they must complete a permission form before the event (available in the office).

We can't wait to celebrate another York Academy "first!"

Congrats to third grader, Micah Days for being our very first Knight Nod Achiever of the school year! Third grade Instructional Assistant, Ms. Moka Simmons nominated him for embodying the International Baccalaureate attribute of being principled.

When putting this attribute into practice, we act with integrity and honesty. We have a strong sense of fairness and justice, with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

According to Ms. Simmons, Micah always does what is right, even through distractions. "He also helps the teachers by keeping his peers focused and on task," she said.

Here's a big "Knight Nod" for being such a principled leader, Micah. Keep it up!

The YARCS Online & Apparel Store is open through Sunday, October 2! Please note that you are not required to buy any of the items.

Apparel that's marked as "Spirit Wear" cannot be worn as part of the school uniform, but may be worn on monthly PTO Dress Down Days (or outside of school).  

We're proud of eighth grader, Tipton Brenner! As part of DreamWrights' "Teen Sharing Stage," she sang a 30-minute set of musical theatre selections before the production of Alien8 last weekend. She has a strong, beautiful voice!

It was truly a YARCS affair since Upper School drama teacher, Manual Tellado is directing Alien8. Congrats to both Tipton and Mr. Tellado! Click here to watch a clip from her set. Tickets are still on sale for Alien8.

As social media use continues to increase, we'd like to provide some valuable information to ensure that our students are using social media in a positive way. These networking sites have become a popular way for students to connect with each other, but they can be concerning. Please talk to your children about being the best person they can be online and in person! You can read some tips below.

If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us. Thank you!

• Mrs. Bonderowitz (Grades 7 & 8): kbonderowitz@yorkarcs.org
• Ms. Reid (Grades 9-12): t.reid@yorkarcs.org

Employees from WSP USA Inc. (formerly Leach Wallace Associates, Inc.) held a Back to School supply drive just for our students and teachers! They gathered boxes of items and delivered them to the Lower School. We are grateful for their kindness and support of the York Academy!

Lynette Larson (WSP Marketing Coordinator), Mr. Goodwin and Hunter Maguire (WSP Mechanical Engineer) are pictured with students Jordan Ascencio and De’Annalis Curet.

We're also proud of fourth grader, Odin Speaks for being a risk-taker and singing the National Anthem in front of a packed crowd at the York Revolution game last weekend! He's been practicing for months and did a terrific job (acapella no less)! Afterwards, he was even asked for his autograph and many people congratulated him. You can watch the video below. Great job, Odin!

It's soon time for school pictures! This is a great way to get a special photo of your child, so send them to school dressed in their best.

Students do not need to wear their uniforms, but please make sure they choose school appropriate clothing (no crop tops, ripped jeans etc.).

Upper School: Friday, October 7

Lower School: Thursday, October 13

Don't miss our first College Fair on Thursday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper School gym. Over 50+ college and military recruiters are invited. So far, 22 colleges and the U.S. Air Force are confirmed! Check out the details below. Questions? Email Upper School Counselor, Ms. Reid. 

If you are a senior or the parent of a senior, make sure to check this website often to stay in the know.

Information will be added throughout the year regarding IB Exams, senior events, graduation details and more. Questions? Email DP Coordinator, Mrs. Riggs. 

If you love children and want to make a difference in their lives, we are looking for you! As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants are invited to apply for the positions listed below.

9/29 (Thursday)

Upper School Homecoming Concert

6:30 p.m.

10/1 (Saturday)

Homecoming Dance

( by ticket only)

10/2 (Sunday)

YARCS Uniform & Apparel Store Closes