YSSD February 2026 Newsletter
Message from the Superintendent
One of the most meaningful ways we support students is by investing in the educators who serve them every day. Recently, several members of our York Suburban community came together with a shared commitment to supporting students' diverse needs. Kara Valore, Third Grade Teacher at East York, and Debbie Richard, Library Paraprofessional at Indian Rock, participated in the Leadership for Diverse Schools cohort during the 2024–2025 school year. Under the leadership of retired York Suburban teacher Eric Hoffman, the York County educator cohort collaborated with local agency partners to better understand current student needs and share effective practices for supporting students and families.
For their culminating project, Kara and Debbie focused on trauma-informed practices, drawing on Kara’s experience in Emotional Support classrooms and recent coursework in the Neurosequential Model for Education. Along with Julie Stover, Reading Specialist at East York, they brought this learning back to our schools by providing trauma-informed professional learning during staff meetings at both intermediate schools. Using grant funds, Debbie also prepared Classroom Calming Kits for faculty, which included sensory and self-regulation tools such as fidgets, breathing cards, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted stuffed animals.
This work reflects our commitment to educating the whole child and aligns closely with our Portrait of a Graduate, particularly in fostering communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. I am grateful to Kara, Debbie, Julie, and all of our staff who continue to lead boldly with care and purpose in support of our students.
Sincerely,
Scott Krauser, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
February Celebrations and Observances
All Month - Black History Month, Career & Technical Education Month, and Children’s Dental Health Month
February 2-6 - National School Counseling/School Counselor Appreciation Week
February 4 - Trojan Spirit Day
February 15 - National School Resource Officers Appreciation Day
February 17 - Presidents’ Day/Random Acts of Kindness Day
Important Dates
For a complete list of events, please refer to the District's online calendar.
No School: Professional Development/Act 80 Day
Thursday, February 12
No School: District Offices Closed
Friday, February 13 and Monday, February 16
Upcoming Events
High School Course Selection Fair
York Suburban High School
During the event, York Suburban High School teachers and counselors will be on hand to answer questions and talk with families about course options.
The Spongebob Musical
Presented by York Suburban Trojan Theatre
Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m.
York Suburban High School
Admission is $12 for Adults and $10 for Students
Tickets can be purchased at https://our.show/fyc31sul2m or at the door (subject to availability)
Bikini Bottom is in danger, and only SpongeBob can save it! This colorful, high-energy musical is packed with dance numbers, catchy songs, and nonstop fun for all ages.
Multicultural Festival
Organized by the High School Model-UN
Thursday, April 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
York Suburban High School
Whether you’d like to share traditional food, showcase cultural items, or perform, this is your chance to be part of a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Use the Multicultural Festival Volunteer Form to sign up for a table.
Kindergarten Registration Opens on February 2nd!
Do you have a student ready to start kindergarten in August 2026? York Suburban will start accepting registrations for incoming kindergarten students starting Monday, February 2!
All children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026, and reside in the District are eligible to enroll in our full-day kindergarten program. Families are encouraged to complete the registration process early to ensure they receive information about special events we have planned for incoming kindergarten students to support their transition. Completing your registration now also helps the District determine next year's enrollment, which is essential for future staff planning.
Points of Pride
York County MathCounts Winners
York Suburban Middle School students had an outstanding showing at the York County MathCounts Competition, competing against 83 students from across the county. YSMS earned four of the top ten individual spots, including Grand Champion Peiwen Yu and third-place finisher Ryan Yoffe, and secured two of the top three team rankings. Based on these results, 12 of the 16 YSMS participants have qualified to advance to the Regional MathCounts Competition at Millersville University next month. Congratulations to our students for this impressive achievement.
Certified Drone Pilots
Five high school students have officially earned their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot licenses thanks to the High School's Remote Pilot Certification class. Congratulations to (left to right) Nate Duerr, Amora Rangel, Cora Sigley, Nora Rumbaugh, and Aiden Porcenaluk.
TSA State Qualifiers
A remarkable 51 York Suburban High School students competed in the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association (TSA) Region 3 Conference with 35 students qualifying for the state TSA conference across 12 competitive event categories. Congratulations and best wishes to all this year's winners!
York East Rotary Club Students of the Month
Senior Emma Bates and junior Jonathan Stermer represented York Suburban at the January York East Rotary Club meeting as the Students of the Month. Our students weren't chosen just for their outstanding academic records, but also for the incredible heart they show through their extracurricular and community involvement.
Middle School Spelling Bee Winners
York Suburban Musicians Shine at PMEA Festivals
York Suburban High School students earned recognition across multiple PMEA Festivals last month, with several advancing to regional-level competitions. Congratulations to the following students:
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District and Regional Choir: Ethan Wolfgang and Ruthie Brown
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District Vocal Jazz: Ethan Wolfgang
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District Jazz Band: Dashiell Bedell, Ryan Beschler, John Barley, and Egan Torres
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District and Regional Orchestra: Aaron West, Egan Torres, John Barley, and Ruth Brown
Athletic Milestones
100th Career Winner
During Senior Night on January 15, York Suburban wrestler Gehret Gentzyel added another milestone to an already impressive athletic career. With a first period fall during the meet against Kennard Dale, Gehret earned his 100th career win! Please join us in congratulating him on this well-earned accomplishment!
1,000 Career Points
On January 30, York Suburban's Silas Leonard officially joined the elite 1,000-Point Club during a YAIAA Division II boys basketball game against New Oxford. This achievement is a testament to years of hard work, late nights in the gym, and pure determination. Way to go, Silas!
School Board News
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Meetings are held in the High School Cafeteria and are open to the public.
Planning - Monday, February 2, 7 p.m.
Regular - Monday, February 23, 7 p.m.
Related Links
In Person and Electronic Public Comment Guidelines
Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting
Board Minutes - posted after Board approval
Board Meeting Calendar - 2026-2027 Meeting Dates and Times
Health Requirement Reminders
To help keep our students healthy and ready to learn, Pennsylvania school health requirements include periodic physical examinations and dental screenings. Please review the information below to ensure your child’s records are up to date.
- Physical Examinations: Physical exams are required for students upon original entry into school, sixth grade, and eleventh grade. Physical exams must be completed after July 1 of the previous school year. Sports physicals and copies of driver’s licenses are acceptable forms of documentation.
- Dental Screenings: Dental exams are required within one year of entry to kindergarten, third grade, and seventh grade.
Submitting Documentation: Completed forms should be returned to your child’s school nurse. For convenience, documentation may also be scanned and emailed. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s school nurse. Contact information is available on the District website under the Health Services Department page.
Quick Links
- 2025-2026 School Year Calendar - The adopted calendar is available on the District website in English and Spanish.
- Annual Notices - School Districts are required by federal and state laws and regulations to provide several annual notices to parents and guardians. These required notices are available in our handbooks and board policies, and can also be easily referenced on the Annual Notices page of our website.
- Community Flyers - The District posts approved flyers on our website. Be sure to bookmark this page for information about upcoming athletic camps and family activities.
- Contact Us - Link to Building Directories and District Administration Contact Information
- Employment Opportunities - We have a variety of open positions that are perfect for individuals interested in working a schedule similar to that of our students.
- First Day of School Video for 2025-2026 - Thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us.
- Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Information - Families who may qualify are encouraged to apply for free or low-cost meals this school year.
- Important Information for Families & Students - In addition to the building-level handbooks, this document provides helpful information for all families. It will be particularly valuable for families new to the District.
- Renovation and Construction Updates - A summary of our efforts to date regarding plans to construct a new intermediate school, renovate the high school, and address district-wide capital projects can be found on our website.
- School Closing, Delay, and Early Dismissal Information - Please refer to this webpage for information about schedules and expectations.