Blue & White Newsletter - 8/29/25

Labor Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a day to honor the dedication, effort, and achievements of workers everywhere. At West York Area School District, we are especially thankful for the commitment of our faculty, staff, School Board, leadership, families, and community partners who work side by side to support our Every Student Every Day.

Everyone's hard work helps create not only strong schools, but also a thriving community where our Bulldogs can learn, grow, and succeed.

As we celebrate this holiday, we hope you enjoy time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the important contributions you make in our community. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

Our Elementary Back-to-School Nights were held this week and were a wonderful success, bringing together students, families, and staff to kick off the school year. Families had the chance to tour the buildings, meet their child’s teachers, and learn more about classroom expectations and curriculum.

Students were especially excited to browse through a wide selection of free books to take home and add to their personal libraries—an opportunity that brought many smiles!

In addition to meeting teachers, families could stop by a variety of informational tables. Representatives from the Elementary PTO, the school nurse, and the District’s HR team (sharing current job openings) were on hand, along with several community partners such as scouting groups and local literacy organizations. Families also had the opportunity to learn more about the Title I Program available at Wallace and Lincolnway Elementary Schools and the supports and resources it provides for students and families.

Each Back-to-School Night blended fun with valuable information, making it a memorable start to the year for our students and families.

Stay tuned for next week's issue of the Blue & White for highlights and pictures from the High School Back to School Night scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd!

Congratulations to our newly promoted Cadet Senior Leadership! These outstanding cadets will guide the NJROTC program while embracing our mission of Every Student Every Day. Through their leadership, they are learning to take ownership of their futures—striving for excellence both in school and in life.

CDR Harmony Breen (Battalion Commander)

LCDR Camryn Patrizio (Battalion Executive Officer)

Master Chief Maddox Price (Command Master Chief)

LT Adrionna Thomas (Alpha Company Commander)

Senior Chief Raizel Rivera-Irizarry (Alpha Company Senior Enlisted Leader)

LT Bethany Drawbaugh (Bravo Company Commander)

Senior Chief Anthony Acosta Rodriguez (Bravo Company Senior Enlisted Leader)

LT Marvin Vega-Diaz (Charlie Company Commander)

Senior Chief Jolene Baer (Charlie Company Senior Enlisted Leader)

Last week, Lincolnway Elementary Art Teacher, Ms. Jacquelyn Sengia, led the Lincolnway teachers in a collaborative team building activity to create awesome abstract paintings. Each and every teacher did an amazing job resulting in these unique and bright paintings! All of the canvases will be on display and used to beautify our Lincolnway hallways.

At Wallace Elementary, the Character Trait Assemblies focus on helping our youngest Bulldogs grow in their social and emotional development while building strong character. Led each month by Mr. Jonathan Hoffman, Wallace Principal, and/or Ms. Briana Seitz, Wallace Assistant Pricipal, the assemblies highlight an important character trait. Students who demonstrate the monthly trait can earn a special colored character ticket, which is proudly displayed outside the office. By the end of the school year, all of the tickets come together to create a beautiful rainbow—symbolizing the many ways our Wallace Bulldogs have shown great character throughout the year.

The Character Traits are:

• August: Friendship

• September: Responsibility

• October: Safety

• November: Respect

• December: Kindness

• January: Self-Control

• February: Honesty

• March: Perseverance

• April: Integrity

• May: Citizenship

In preparation for the new school year, Ms. Kara Davis, Ms. Sharon Cherry, and Ms. Katara Phillips from the High School Food Services Department, along with Ms. Carrie Lewis, a HS teacher aide, went above and beyond by spending an entire day cleaning and sanitizing every piece of equipment in the High School Fitness Center. They even took the extra time to scrape tape adhesive from the floors near the lab classrooms. Their hard work and dedication truly helped create a fresh and welcoming start for our students and staff at the High School.

Thank you to those who dropped off donations! We are grateful for your generosity and helping to stock the pantry’s shelves in advance of our first distribution date. We accept donations throughout the school year. So feel free to drop off donations to the High School any school day.

Below is a list of the pantry’s most needed items. Thank you for supporting the Bulldog Pantry and helping us care for one another, because that's how we do it here in West York!

• Canned food like fruit, vegetables, soup, tuna, stews
• Pasta & sauce
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Cereal, oatmeal, pancake mixes
• Rice, stuffing, & potato mixes
• Granola bars
• Juice
• Condiments

Grocery store gift cards are also welcome to allow for the purchase of perishable food items.

If you have any questions, please visit our Bulldog Pantry webpage by clicking the Bulldog Pantry image above. You can also reach out to Ms. Amanda Burt, Life Skills Teacher via email at amburt@wyasd.org.

Are you passionate about supporting students and making a difference in your community? We are currently hiring Teacher Aides, including Special Education Teacher Aides, part-time Food Services Assistants, and a full-time Health Room Nurse for the 2025–2026 school year.

These positions are a wonderful opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with children and want to contribute to their educational journey.

The teacher aide positions do not require a teaching certificate or college degree—candidates need only a high school diploma (or equivalent), along with enthusiasm, patience, and a dedication to helping students succeed. As a Teacher Aide, you’ll work closely with teachers to support instruction, assist students with daily learning activities, and help create a positive classroom environment. Special Education Teacher Aides provide valuable support to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re looking for meaningful work where you can make a direct impact, we encourage you to apply! Click the image below to visit our Employment page for a full listing of current openings and access to submitting your application.

Reach out to our Human Resources Department with any questions at 717-792-2796 or via email at Employment@wyasd.org.

We are excited to share with you the new, easy process for student school pictures with our new vendor, Heritage Imagery. As reported in last week’s Blue & White Newsletter, elementary school pictures are scheduled as follows:

• Lincolnway Elementary School - Tuesday, September 16th
• Wallace Elementary School - Wednesday, September 17th
• Trimmer Elementary School - Tuesday, September 23rd

Here’s how picture orders will work this year:

• Within 48 hours after picture day, you’ll receive a personal link by text and email (using the contact information from Sapphire)

• Once your gallery is ready, you’ll be able to view your photos before placing an order

• No presales are needed!

• You’ll also have access to 400+ background options to customize your prints

• All orders are placed directly through your personal link

It’s that simple!

Be sure to check your spam folder if you have not received your link within the 48 hours of your child's picture day. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Heritage Imagery at info@heritage-imagery.com

The new school year is here, and it’s the perfect time to set new goals; both in the classroom and at home. At First Capital Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you kick off you and your child’s financial future with a limited-time certificate promotion designed to make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re an adult looking for a short-term boost or setting up your young saver for college, a first car, or another big milestone, now’s the time to start building your savings!

• 5-Month Adult Certificate Promo: Earn 5% APY* for 5 months on deposits up to $50,000.
• 8-Year Youth Certificate Promo: Youth 17 years and under can earn 10% APY** for 8 years on deposits up to $2,000.

Only Available September 1 - October 31, 2025

Have questions about becoming a First Capital member and want to get started with one of these amazing certificate rates? Stop by the Bulldog Branch on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to talk with Lily or Kayla. They’ll walk you through the process and help you open your certificate right on the spot. Can’t make it during branch hours? No problem! Contact School Branch Coordinator Kayla Weaver at kaylaw@firstcapitalfcu.com to learn more and take the first step toward a brighter financial future.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. 5.00% effective as of September 1, 2025 for the 5-month Share Certificate; subject to change at any time. Minimum deposit $1,000, maximum $50,000 per unique social security number. The 5-Month Promo certificate will not automatically renew and all funds from the certificate will be deposited into the primary share at the time of certificate maturity. Promotional offer cannot be combined with any other offer other than the First Capital Star Rewards 3-Star rate increase. In-branch opening only. Penalty for early withdrawal; fees could reduce earnings. Available September 1 - October 31, 2025, to consumer members only. This promotion is not available for business or youth accounts. Other restrictions may apply. Promotion may be discontinued at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA.

**APY=Annual Percentage Yield. 10.00% effective as of September 1, 2025 for the 8-Year Youth Share Certificate; subject to change at any time. Minimum deposit $500.00, maximum $2,000.00 per unique social security number. The 8-Year Youth Share Certificate will not automatically renew and all funds from the certificate will be deposited into the primary share at the time of certificate maturity. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Penalty for early withdrawal is 100% forfeiture of all dividends, and the certificate must be closed. The 8-Year Youth Share Certificate promo is available on Deep Sea Saver or NextGen youth accounts for members under age 18 only. Not available for custodial or rep payee accounts. Available September 1 – October 31, 2025 to consumer youth members only. Other restrictions may apply. Promotion may be discontinued at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the High School will host the Junior Achievement REAL Life Program, and we need community volunteers to help make this incredible event a success!

REAL Life is an interactive program that gives students the chance to experience real-world decision-making in areas like budgeting, career choices, housing, transportation, and more. With guidance from volunteers, students step into “adult life” for the day, making choices that impact their future and seeing firsthand how financial literacy and decision-making skills play a role in long-term success.

That’s where you come in! Volunteers are at the heart of this program, serving as mentors, facilitators, and encouragers as students navigate their simulations. No teaching experience is required — just your time, energy, and willingness to support students as they learn lessons that will last a lifetime.

By volunteering, you’ll not only make an immediate impact on our students, but also invest in the future of our community. Whether you’re a parent, business professional, retiree, or community member who cares about education, your involvement matters.

Together, we can empower our students to dream bigger, plan smarter, and prepare for success beyond high school. More information, including how to register to be a volunteer, can be found by clicking the bars below.

Join us on September 24 — your support can help change a life!

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Monday, September 1, Labor Day Holiday - District Closed
• Wednesday, September 3, High School Back to School Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
• Tuesday, September 9, EPC (Educational Programming Committee) Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, September 9, Work Session of the Board (7:00 PM)
• Friday, September 12, Early Dismissal
• Tuesday, September 16, Cocurricular Committee Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, September 16, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Thursday, September 25, Wellness Committee Meeting (3:15 PM)
• Friday, September 26, Early Dismissal

Have you checked out the Community page on our District website? This page is your go-to spot for helpful resources, local organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and flyers for upcoming community events and programs.

Each time new information is added, we’ll highlight it here in the newsletter and direct you to the Community page for more details. Be sure to check it often—you won’t want to miss out on the great opportunities available for our students and families! Click the page image below to visit the Community webpage.

Wellspan Philhaven Crisis Intervention provides urgent mental and behavioral health support, acting as a specialized response to individuals in crisis or experiencing severe emotional distress. These services include rapid assessments, stabilization, and connections to longer-term care through programs like their START program, which offers same-day access to therapy, psychiatric care, and other vital resources to prevent escalation and support recovery.

We are able to support the community through mobile crisis support 24/7, anytime/anywhere. If a student should need to be assessed either at the school or at home, you can alert the crisis team at 717-851-5320 for a counselor to come directly to them.

We are able to offer support for not only immediate needs for concerns of suicidal ideations, self-injurious behaviors, homicidal ideations, etc. but also, for any other concerns with accessing mental health care. We can assist with connecting individuals to services and place referrals to assist them.

If a student/family prefers a doctor's office setting, our walk-in center has relocated to the WellSpan START building in the Loretta Claiborne Building at 605 S George St, York, PA. We are able to see patients Mon-Fri 8a-8p.

The items in this section have appeared in earlier issues but remain useful as ongoing references and resources.

This is a question parents often ask. We know that mornings can be challenging for adults and children alike. Sometimes we wake and might not feel our best, but once we get moving, often we find it wasn't a problem making it through the day - at work or at school.

So, here's a great reference for assisting you in determining whether to send your child to school when they have complaints of not feeling well. You can click here for a printable copy to hang on your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

Please review the details in the graphics below carefully, as meeting all medical, dental, and vaccine requirements is essential for maintaining student health.

• Medical Exams: Regular medical evaluations help identify and address potential health concerns early.

• Dental Exams: Annual dental checkups are necessary to prevent and treat oral health issues.

• Vaccine Requirements: Keeping students up to date on vaccinations is critical for protecting them and those around them from preventable diseases.

For more details and the exam forms, click HERE.

For more details on vaccine requirements, click HERE.

Please make sure all required documentation is completed and submitted promptly. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's school nurse.

At the November 19th Board Meeting, the 2025-2026 District Calendar was approved and you can access it from our website by clicking the bar below.

We will continue to process kindergarten registrations through the summer. It is best to register as soon as possible so that preliminary screenings can be scheduled.

If you are a West York Area School District resident and your child will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025, we invite you to begin the registration process by simply visiting the Registration page of our website by clicking the Register a Student image to the right. Once there, click on the clipboard icon "Register a Student" to begin the registration process.

Once you have completed the online registration, please call Wallace Elementary at 717-764-6869 to schedule your child's kindergarten screening appointment.

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