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Get the Lowdown with Dr. Lowe

York Academy Families:

It's Administrative Professionals Day, and I would like to thank the inspiring women below! Your kindness and thoughtfulness make an incredible difference for our students, parents and staff every single day. I appreciate all you do to keep our schools running smoothly behind the scenes. You are valued members of our York Academy team!

In addition, I'd like to make sure you know that the 2024-25 School Calendar is on our website under the Calendar tab. Click here to view it now.

Enjoy the evening,

Dr. Lowe

Give Local York is Next Week: UKnight for Our School!

Give Local York is almost here! With your help, we can reach our $30,000 goal and make a greater impact on our students' lives! The event kicks off at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 and wraps up on Friday, May 3 at 8:59 p.m.

The Lower School House and Kingdom Challenge is off to a terrific start! We’re only $784.26 away from our $2,000 goal! Here's where things stand:

1st Place: Umbuzo - $267.23
2nd Place: Onesto - $233.96
3rd Place: Meditar - $197.27
4th Place: Sanchar - $178.66
5th Place: Doctrina - $133.99
6th Place: Nasuga - $122.67
7th Place: Byodo - $81.96
KINGDOM: $1,215.74

That means we reached the first goal ($1,000)! All students will soon get a treat at lunch and be able to pick out three fun vinyl stickers.

The Upper School Challenge starts on Monday and will run through next Friday! Some generous individuals donated $1,100, and our students will be challenged to match that amount. They'll have a mini goal each day (ex. $250 on Monday). As long as they raise $1,100 in total by next Friday, they’ll get a BONUS Dress Down Day on May 10. There will be daily raffles, and students can win York Academy t-shirts or sweatshirts, small gift cards, tie-dyed socks and more!

Please send in spare change, dollar bills or checks with your students by next Friday. (Write checks to York Academy Foundation). You can also choose to donate online during the event.

Your gift of any amount will directly benefit our students through exciting and innovative learning opportunities, impactful off-campus experiences and scholarships. Please "UKnight" with us and help us reach our $30,000 goal. We can't do it without you!

Teacher Appreciation Week

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.

You are welcome to purchase items from this Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to you or sign up here/scan the QR code. Please drop off donations at the Lower or Upper School office by April 30.

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

Thanks again for your generosity and continued support of our teachers and staff.

Chalk the Walk Submissions Due

Our 7th Annual “Chalk the Walk!” public art event will be held on May 24! Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to participate in this annual outdoor drawing adventure in which artists create sidewalk paintings using only chalk pastels. It is truly an out-of-classroom experience!

Due to space limitations, the event is limited to 50 teams. Students may work alone or with ONE partner. All entries must be submitted by April 30.

Theme: Choose Kindness! Students should create a design that illustrates kindness (directly/symbolically).They may draw an actual act of kindness or create a design based on a kindness slogan. No words are allowed. Their artwork should portray the message.

PSSA and Keystone Exams

PSSA and Keystone Exams are happening into May. Please do not schedule medical/dental appointments on testing days. In addition, educational trips will not be approved. Click below to read a letter from Dr. Lowe with important information about both exams.

Learn More from Dr. Lowe

Testing will take place for both the PSSA and Keystone Exams from about 8:15 - 10:45 a.m. on the days listed below:

PSSAs (Grades 3 - 8):

April 25: English Language Arts
April 29 & 30: Mathematics
May 2 & 3: Science (ONLY administered to students in grades 4 and 8)

Keystone Exams (Grades 8 - 10):

May 14 & 15: Algebra 1
May 16 & 17: Biology
May 20 & 21: Language & Literature

All students (K-12) may participate in these Dress Down Spirit Days:

Questions? Contact Dr. Jeremy Overlander at joverlander@yorkarcs.org or (717) 900-5001. He is the assessment coordinator for both schools. Thank you!

Celebrate the Class of 2024 at Senior Decision Day

Join us on May 1 for Senior Decision Day at the Upper School (gym) from 5 - 6:30 p.m.!

One by one, members of the Class of 2024 will share their post-secondary plans. It will be an exciting, joyful night, so come celebrate with them!

Seniors...if you haven't ordered your yearbook yet, click below to reserve yours before this event! Make sure to check out the Senior Website to stay in the know about all things graduation, too.

Knight Staff Superstar: Kelley Waninger

Congrats to 1st Grade Teacher, Kelley Waninger, for being our Knight Staff Superstar!

She was nominated for embodying the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile attributes of being open-minded.

According to her nominee, "Mrs. Waninger is always open to trying new methods of teaching. She is willing to listen to new ideas - from students, teachers, or administration. Her open-mindedness, patience, and love for her students make such a difference!"

Thanks for being creative and finding new ways to support and encourage your students, Mrs. Waninger. You are a valued member of the York Academy team!

Join Us for Parents' Night Out

Mrs. Hobbs and the members of our National Art Honor Society invite you to Parents' Night Out on May 3 from 6 - 9 p.m.

They would love to spend the evening with your children while you go to dinner, catch a movie, or just chill peacefully on your couch!

Learn More & Sign Up

Senior Capstone Project: Mahari Kimbrow

Over the past few months, the Class of 2024 has been working on their Senior Capstone Projects. Mahari Kimbrow interned with York Academy's Marketing and Development Coordinator, Mrs. Brenner-Zirkle. As a final component of the project, she will share some thoughts about her York Academy experience.

"Hi! My name is Mahari and I am a senior here at York Academy. I started at YARCS in fifth grade due to my parents searching for a school that would challenge me academically. Immediately after transferring, I fell in love with the environment. It was so refreshing to be in a diverse classroom atmosphere and learn from those who were similar and different from me. The relationships I have made have been extremely beneficial to my transition into adulthood and I'm proud to be able to say that I am a student at York Academy. I've gained so many new experiences that I am able to look back on over the years. Some of them include multiple academic achievements, different artistic expressions, and educational field trips. I can honestly say that I am prepared to continue my education post-graduation at Temple University due to my time at YARCS and through the IB Programme."

Congrats on your success, Mahari. Your future is so bright!

Volunteer at the Lower School Block Party

The 5th Annual Lower School Block Party is quickly approaching, and we are looking for volunteers to help with the event. It will be held on Friday, May 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Lower School. Click below if you are interested in helping. It's always a fantastic time!

Learn More & Sign Up

PTO Updates:

✅ The PTO is holding a House Hangout Fun Night at Keystone Kidspace on May 10 from 6 - 8 p.m. Click here to sign up.

✅ They're also partnering with Gift Horse Brewing Company and the York Revolution for "Knight(s) in the City" on May 11. Purchase your Revs tickets now.