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Get the Lowdown with Dr. Lowe

York Academy Families:

As I shared earlier, Administrators at the Upper School were made aware of an unusual odor at approximately 10:40 a.m. this morning. They contacted Columbia Gas and the students and staff were evacuated. Columbia Gas arrived at 10:50 a.m. and checked the entire school. All rooms were assessed and cleared. Columbia Gas did not detect a gas leak anywhere in the building. Students were able to go back inside and resume their schedule. Additional updates will be provided, if needed.

The Upper School musical, Once on This Island, is happening this weekend. I was able to see the students perform last Sunday, and it was outstanding. The Black Box Theatre is staged in a "theater-in-the-round" format, which means the audience is literally feet away from the performers.

The best part is that theatre teacher, Mr. Peter Matthew Smith connected with Quentin Earl Darrington, who played a leading role in the Broadway production of Once on This Island. Quinton sent a video for the students to watch just before opening night. They went wild, and understandably so! I'm amazed that the York Academy has such strong connections through Mr. Smith. He has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including Hamilton. Mr. Smith shares his expertise with our students and brings such a high level of professional theatre to the York Academy.

The students did a brilliant job and I hope you will attend a show. Check out the video for a preview. Tickets will be available at the door, but it’s best to purchase them ahead of time because seating is limited.

Performances will take place this Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).

Purchase Tickets

The Annual Art Show is also taking place in conjunction with the musical. Students’ artwork will be displayed on Friday (5 - 9 p.m.), Saturday (1:30 - 9 p.m.) and Sunday (1:30 - 4:30 p.m.) Stop by to see the tremendous works of art they have created!

Lastly, Ethan Mickey is in the running for the York Daily Record Student of the Week. He is being recognized for his impressive 10th grade IB Personal Project.

Ethan built, sanded and stained a “Buddy Bench” for the Lower School playground. When a student sits on the bench, other students know that they need a friend and invite them to play.

Ethan's currently in second place! Please vote for him before 5 p.m. tomorrow night!

Vote for Ethan Mickey

Thanks and enjoy the evening,

Dr. Lowe

Support the Give Local York House and Kingdom Challenge!

Give Local York is coming up on May 2 and May 3! Many thanks to everyone who helped us raise over $28,000 in 2023! We are grateful for your generosity. This year, the overall goal is $30,000 – all to benefit our students!

The Lower School House and Kingdom Challenge is happening through May 3. The goal is to “UKnight” and raise $2,000 toward our $30,000 goal, so please check those piggy banks. Students may drop change/dollars in their House’s container in the mornings. They are located at the back entrance and in the lobby.

Families are welcome to send in donations now, too (cash or check to York Academy Foundation). Please put it in an envelope and write your child’s name and House on the outside, so we can thank you and make sure it goes toward the correct House. Students can give the envelope to their teacher or take it to the office. The Upper School will hold their Kingdom Challenge the week of Give Local York, and we’ll share those details later this month.

Thank you in advance for your support. Your donation will help impact students’ lives - and what’s better than that?

Tomorrow: Upper School SAT Exams

As a reminder, students in 11th grade will take the SAT tomorrow. They should bring their chargers to school. Check Ms. Reid’s Canvas page for more information.

MYP Info Night

Sixth graders and their families are encouraged to attend MYP Info Night on April 18 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Upper School!

Let's Celebrate Our Teachers and Staff

The PTO Teacher Appreciation Committee is providing a small token of appreciation for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 – 10).

They are seeking donations toward this well-deserved celebration for our teachers and staff. To make it easier, you are welcome to purchase items from this Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to you. Please deliver all donations to the Lower or Upper School office by April 30. Thanks again for your generosity and continued support of our teachers and staff.

Questions? Email Andrea Hess at thehessfamily2008@gmail.com or text/call her at (717) 891-0325.

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Upper School Students Take Part in First FBLA State Competition

Five Upper School students took part in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Competition this week.

FBLA aligns perfectly with the IB framework and the York Academy's mission. Their goal is to inspire and prepare students to be community-based business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

Wesley Keller competed in the Economics category, Assata Jones competed in the Hospitality and Event Management category, and Gabby Houck competed in Business Management category. She finished in the top 15 in Pennsylvania in her category!

It was such an incredible experience for all the students, and they had a terrific time. Many thanks to FBLA Advisor, Hannah Alvarnaz for her leadership and enthusiasm. The students are ready to start prepping for next year!

Sign Up for Summer Camps

Summer Camps are back, and all Lower School students are invited to participate! The dates are June 10 through July 3. Camps will be held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. There is no cost to attend any of them. Registration closes on April 19.

Camps are limited to a certain number of students and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that parents/guardians must provide transportation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Our camps provide opportunities for enrichment and serve as an extension of what students have learned over the school year. They will have fun while learning science, math, reading, and writing skills. Students will also get to do exciting physical challenges.

You will need to submit the form for each of your children by April 19. Make sure to click on the grade they will be ENTERING in the 2024-25 school year.

View and Share your Child's Artwork Through Artsonia

Our Lower School students have been creating wonderful works of art. Did you know that you can view your child's' artwork and share it with others through the Artsonia platform? Mrs. Winters encourages you to connect through the QR code below. You can also click here. Make sure to enter your child's name and the email listed in the Sapphire portal to approve and view their creations (artwork and first name only).

You can also go to www.artsonia.com/parents and enter this Parent Code:

3P5T5RCD.

PTO Updates

The next PTO Meeting is happening on April 16 at 6 p.m. in the Lower School Library/Media Center. Everyone is welcome!

The PTO is partnering with Gift House Brewing Company and the York Revolution for "Knight(s) in the City" on May 11. Please join us!

Join Us for These Virtual Parent Engagement Sessions

Ms. Miller, York Academy’s School Social Worker, is hosting multiple virtual parent engagement sessions for parents and caregivers of York Academy students (K-12) in April and May. Check out these opportunities to enhance your skills as a caregiver and create stronger bonds with your children!

The next training is happening on April 17 at 12 p.m. The topic is about managing big feelings. Save the dates for these additional sessions. Questions? Email her for more information.

Upper School Yearbooks Are on Sale Now

Don't miss out! Click here to reserve your yearbook before signing day in May.

Class of 2024 Website

Is your student a senior? Mrs. Riggs is preparing for graduation and created a site where you can find out a wealth of information. More details and paper schedules will be sent home. Check it out now!