Hello York Academy Families:

Last Friday was "Red Shirt Day," a special day set aside each year to raise awareness about children and youth homelessness in PA. Our staff participated, and they did not disappoint. You can see some pictures below and more here.

If someone in your family or someone you know in our school system needs help regarding homelessness, reach out to Aislinn Cunningham, our Student Services Coordinator. Please contact her at (717) 801-3900, ext. 1601 or acunningham@yorkarcs.org.

Keep in mind that homelessness may include students and their families who are staying with friends or relatives because they do not have permanent housing. Learn more here.

In addition, I have to share that I am thankful for our school community and our caring staff. They work very hard to help your children succeed and thrive. I would also like to thank you for choosing the York Academy. When you made that choice, you ensured that your children would receive an education with unmatched advantages and opportunities. Bright futures are in store!

Enjoy the next few days with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Lowe 

Our 2022-23 student-created yearbook for grades 7-12 is in the works! We are so excited to share meaningful memories and experiences with you. It will be a hard-bound, 150-page book and there are options to personalize it for additional fees.

Make sure to place your order by Wednesday, November 30 to receive the reduced price of $40. The price goes up to $50 on December 1.

Congrats to Eli-jah Addison, a 10th grader who is our Knight Nod Achiever. He was nominated by Math Teacher, Miss Browe for exemplifying the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile attribute of being balanced.

When we're balanced, we understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with others and with the world in which we live.

"Eli-jah juggles his academic coursework, along with preparing for the Science Fair, the IB Personal Project and his karate competitions," said Miss Browe.

He goes above and beyond by meeting with Miss Browe each morning. "We review what Eli-jah needs to accomplish on a daily and weekly basis to stay on track," she said. "He is continuing to work hard in Quarter 2."

Outside of school, Eli-Jah was recently awarded silver medals in "Kata" and "Kumite" karate competitions.

"Eli-Jah is doing his best to stay balanced in academics and athletics," said Miss Browe. "I'm so proud of the growth he has made (and continues to make) since we met two years ago."

Here's a big "Knight Nod" for staying on top of everything in and out of school, Eli-jah. Keep it up!

Visual Arts Teacher, Mrs. Chester and the Upper School students of York Academy's National Art Honor Society would love to spend the evening with your children! You'll have a few hours to do some holiday shopping, check out First Friday festivities or chill peacefully (and quietly) at home.

What they'll be doing:

• Decorating festive holiday cookies
• Having a snack before movie time
• Watching "Abominable" (PG) in the Black Box Theater
• Having a holiday themed PJ viewing party
• Blankets and stuffies are welcome.

Parents' Night Out events are for York Academy students in grades K-6. Siblings and neighbors of YARCS students who are not enrolled are welcome as long as they're in kindergarten or older. The cost is $20 for one child and $10 for each additional child/sibling. Please note that the cost is for the entire night and cannot be split up by the hour. Enter Door 12 on Hamilton Avenue when you arrive.

The proceeds from Parents' Night Out events will support the Upper School National Art Honor Society's spring field trip. The members appreciate your support!

Join us for our first Winter Workshop, hosted by National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society! It's set for Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Upper School gym and cafeteria. This event will be festive and fun, and is recommended for children ages 4-12.

There will be "present pancakes" (pancakes made into squares), coffee and cocoa, winter crafts, shopping, and present wrapping!

RSVP here or click on the graphic below to print it. Send the bottom part with payment to school with your child. Put it in an envelope marked Winter Workshop and have them give it to their homeroom teacher. Questions? Email Mrs. Riggs.

Please come experience our first Winter Workshop. We plan to make it a York Academy tradition!

• Winter weather is upon us. With the temperatures dropping, the need for warm jackets, hats, and gloves is increasing! Unless the temperatures drop below freezing or bad weather keeps us inside, we will aim to take children out for recess as much as possible. Please make sure that your children are dressed accordingly for the weather with proper outerwear each day. 
• In addition, label your children's belongings in case they drop or misplace them. That way we can get things back to them as quickly as possible.  

• Now that we are cruising into the middle of the year, please take a few minutes to review the Student Code of Conduct with your children. 
• Along with these reminders, we continue to work daily to develop the IB Learner Profile Attributes that will help our children grow as active global citizens in all areas of their lives. Please also reflect with them on how these attributes can be applied in school, at home and in the community. Ask your children to share the exciting connections they make with their teachers, too!

Not a Target Circle member? You can enroll in the program through their mobile app, website or in any store. It's free!

While the campaign will feature Feeding America branding, 100% of the funds raised through the program will benefit the local food bank. What a great way to support our community! 

The PTO will share other ways to give back during the month of December, so stay tuned.

If you love children and want to make a difference in their lives, we are looking for you! Come join a knowledgeable team that works collaboratively to create a thriving learning environment for students. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite all qualified applicants to apply. Please Note: We have an urgent need for a School Nurse.

As an International Baccalaureate World School, York Academy developed many policies that align with the IB philosophies. First, we will highlight the York Academy Inclusion Policy. 

The International Baccalaureate states, "The access and inclusion policy is designed to enable full participation of all students across all four IB programmes in teaching, learning and assessment (formative and summative) by reducing and removing barriers using appropriate and well-planned access arrangements." (www.ibo.org, 2020)

We would like to share a snapshot of the York Academy Inclusion Policy with you. Please know that we are committed to ensuring that all students are learning and growing, and you will see that reflected throughout this policy.  

Students in 10th grade are participating in the IB Personal Project, which is a yearlong, in-depth exploration on a topic of their choice. This capstone project during the last year of MYP is also a graduation requirement for the York Academy diploma. Students have already submitted proposals of their learning goals and product goals, and subsequently have been matched with a mentor from York Academy to meet with monthly. Students are working hard to grow as learners by researching, interviewing, creating and investigating their selected personal interests. For more information, please see the Personal Project website or contact MYP Coordinator, Alina Henninger at ahenninger@yorkarcs.org

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. 

12/2

PTO Dress Down Day

Progress Reports

Parents' Night Out

6 - 9 p.m.

Learn More

12/3

Winter Workshop

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Upper School

12/7

Early Dismissal

Picking up your child? Please arrive BEFORE 12:30 p.m. The Lower School gates will open at 12:15 p.m. Thank you!