Knight News
October 30, 2020
CEO Corner
We expected the PA Department of Health to release the latest data detailing the state's mitigation efforts today, however they are reworking the dashboard and will release current information on Mondays moving forward.

Updates will highlight the level of community transmission for schools to determine their instructional models, data on cases among 5-18-year-olds, travel recommendations and more. The data available on the early warning monitoring dashboard includes weekly case counts, incidence rates, test percent-positivity, rates of hospitalizations, ventilations and ER visits related to COVID-19.

If York County enters the substantial level of community transmission on Monday (see chart below), we want to make sure you are prepared for some possible changes.

All students - including those coming to school for supervision - would learn from home starting on Monday, November 9. Our Safe Return Committee determined, and the Board of Trustees agreed, that our buildings would remain closed until York County is in the Moderate Level of community transmission for three consecutive weeks. Even if this happens, our free Grab-and-Go Meal Program would continue curbside at the Upper School from 12 - 1 p.m. during the week.

We encourage you to bookmark this site and track the new data with us as it's released each Monday. If we remain in the moderate level of community transmission, no changes will take place at this time.

Thank you for your patience, and stay safe and healthy!

Angela Sugarek
Get Ready for Some Spooky Music
Watch out for some ghoulishly great music coming from York Academy Band and Orchestra students tomorrow on social media and in Canvas! They worked hard on their parts individually and came together to create wonderful, spooky music for you! Enjoy these pictures from the rehearsals.
Question & Answer Sessions About Learning Models
On October 26, 2020, the York Academy Board of Trustees voted to amend our COVID-19 Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan and return to school on Monday, November 30, 2020 if we are in the moderate level of community transmission.

Do you have questions about moving back to in-person instruction? If so, join us at a Zoom session so our administrators can address your concerns. Here are the dates and times:

- Tuesday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 5 at 5:00 p.m.


Recordings will be posted in Canvas for those who cannot attend.

Click here for more information about the changes that are planned in preparation for the return on November 30. As a reminder, parents must submit their selection (in-person or eLearning) by November 6.
Knight Staff Superstar
Congrats to Ashley Weaver for being our Knight Staff Superstar and embodying the International Baccalaureate learner profile attribute of being caring!

When we are caring, we show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
 
According to her nominee, Ashley is the dictionary definition of the word caring! In her role as a Special Education Teacher at the Lower School, she is an amazing support for her students, as well as the teachers. Ashley goes above and beyond every day to help them grow and learn. We are so lucky to have her at York Academy!

Thank you for all you do, Ms. Weaver. You are appreciated!
Thankful Thoughts House Challenge
This month our Upper School staff and students will focus on things we are thankful for. We will be making short videos on Flipgrid sharing these thankful thoughts with others. All of the details for the challenge can be found here. House points will be awarded to all students who upload their thankful thoughts! Remember, there is always something to be thankful for.
National Principals Month
It's National Principals Month, which honors principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nation's students.

We're thankful for our amazing leaders and would like to recognize the role they play in making the York Academy family exceptional! Dr. Lowe, Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Overlander, thank you for being so positive during these trying times and stepping up to support our students, families and staff when they needed you the most. We appreciate you!
Notes from the Kitchen
Even though our grab-and-go meal program is in place, families are encouraged to complete the 2020-21 free and reduced meal applications, as additional fees could be waived for our school. Also, did you know that free and reduced student counts affect York Academy’s federal funding? It is important that we have an accurate count.

Please go to www.compass.state.pa.us and apply online today. If you have any questions, reach out to me at rarnold@yorkarcs.org or (717) 900-5001.

Eat well and stay healthy,
Ms. Gina, Food Services Manager
Access Your Child's Personalized Digital Library with MyON
Have you heard of MyON? It's a digital reading platform where students have unlimited 24/7 access to thousands of high-quality, high-interest books at no cost. Reading recommendations are also matched to each student's grade, reading level and interests to help them find their next great read. MyON is available on any digital device. Ms. Sugarek created the short video below to help you learn how to access MyON and explain its many benefits.
Click here to access York Academy's MyON account. If you need your child's password, please contact their teacher. We hope you enjoy this new resource!
ICYMI: #WellnessWednesday
In case you missed it, this week's #WellnessWednesday tip on social media was from Miss Kinard, our Lower School Physical Education teacher.

Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Anxious? These uncertain times can cause many of these feelings, and they can take a toll on your mental and physical health. So, what's the solution? Yoga! Adding yoga into your daily routine is a great way to relieve stress, improve flexibility and sleep better.

If you're unsure about the benefits of yoga for you or your child, check out what two of our students had to say. According to sixth grader Alliana, "During the exercise (yoga) I felt my muscles pull and stretch out. Afterwards I felt refreshed, like I was new." Sixth grader Amirah'Lee adds, "I felt overwhelmed and tired before yoga, but when we were done, I felt happy and ready to do schoolwork."

If you'd like to give yoga a try, Miss Kinard recommends Yoga with Adriene. You are also welcome to email her for additional resources.

Make sure to follow our social media (Facebook & Instagram) to see next week's #WellnessWednesday tip!
11/3
11/5
11/6
Deadline for Parents to Choose Learning Model for 11/30 Return (in-person or eLearning)
York Academy Regional Charter School
Lower School: (717) 801-3900 | Upper School: (717) 900-5001