Our inaugural graduation was exciting, uplifting and touching. It was a monumental day in York Academy - and York County history! The graduates have experienced great success, and each of them will be attending college. In fact, nearly all of them were National Merit Scholars, and Ane Kirk-Jadric was a Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, a prestigious honor! Their hard work paid off, and their accomplishments are impressive. I invite you to learn more about the Class of 2022, watch graduation (below) and view some pictures from the York Dispatch.

Although it was another unusual school year, I've seen our YARCS community care for one another and #uknight more than ever before. That's something to be proud of. I'd like to thank you for your support and the countless ways you make a difference in the lives of your children. Enjoy the summer, and I look forward to seeing you in August!

Sincerely,

Michaelina held leadership roles in National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, and was a member of the National Spanish Honor Society. She also represented the senior class on House Council and served on the I-Dream Committee for DreamWrights (DEI Committee). As co-editor of the Pen & Plume, she was key in bringing the first hard-bound Upper School yearbook to fruition. Michaelina is also an exceptional pianist, and talented musician and artist. Her favorite memory was performing in YorVoice at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in 9th grade.

Congrats to our sixth graders on an outstanding Exhibition Night! Over the last few months, they worked in small groups with a mentor based on topics of interest. Each group presented a provocation, lines of inquiry, expert interviews, new data/research, a creative arts piece and an action piece. Topics included the importance of sleep, mental health, pollution, animal rights, women's rights, homelessness, the effects of COVID-19 and more!

It’s very important to note that breakfast and lunch will not be free next year for everyone. You must apply for the free or reduced meal program. If you have not been approved for free or reduced meals this year, you will be charged starting the first day of the 2022-23 school year. If you have been approved, your meal application will cover your student for the first 30 days of the new school year.

What can you do to prevent from being charged for meals? After July 1, make sure to apply for the free and reduced meal program. Click here to apply online (it’s easy!). If you would prefer a paper application, please email me at rarnold@yorkarcs.org and I will mail it to you.

Since we have over 900 families at York Academy, it’s important for you to apply between July 1 and before school begins (August 15). This is helpful because we must have all the meal applications processed before school starts.

To access the Community Portal, please click here and enter in the login information that you previously created and set up. When you are logged in:

For questions related to your child's grades, please reach out directly to their teacher(s). Thank you!

Yesterday, some of our most creative students in grades six and up participated in the 5th Annual "Chalk the Walk!" public art event! The teams spent the day outside creating pastel drawings on the sidewalks in front of the Lower School. With York Academy's first graduating class moving on to college, the theme was "on the move." Their creations are stunning!

We'd like to thank our wonderful visual arts teachers, Mrs. Chester, Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Winters, for coordinating the event and providing such a meaningful way for our students to express themselves! Pictures and the winners will be shared on social media soon! Here are some to enjoy in the meantime.

After a delay in production, we're thrilled to share that Upper School yearbooks were delivered today! Students will receive them tomorrow. If your child has not purchased one yet, a limited number are available for $50. Checks should be made payable to York Academy Regional Charter School. Thank you!

A little bad weather can't stop a YARCS Block Party! We celebrated inside with live music, face painting, a bounce house, a photobooth, a dunk tank, games, raffles, food and more. Many thanks to Mrs. Ferrell for coordinating this fun event, and to all the area businesses who donated items for the raffle! Here are a few pictures.

Please note that signups for Lower School summer camps have been closed. Parents will receive confirmation by the end of the week. Thank you!

A few months ago during the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge, our senior class raised $400 to help Blue, a beautiful husky. Blue's back legs never fully developed and he needed a second major surgery to help him live the happy life he deserves. Now, Blue is doing well and getting stronger thanks to physical therapy sessions. Last week, our seniors got to meet him in person. Many thanks to DP Individuals and Societies teacher, Mr. McGirr, for spearheading this effort! Learn more about Homeless to Home Husky Rescue and follow Blue's story on Facebook.

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.

Please see the information below regarding the York XL Amigos Spanish Immersion Summer Camp. The camp is for children ages 3 - 11 and runs from June 20 - July 14 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Lincoln Charter School. Campers will take trips to Keystone Kidspace and the Hope Garden. The cost is $175/week (for a total of $700 for the full camp). A limited number of camp scholarships are available. Click here to register.