Blue & White Newsletter - 9/11/2026

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. On Patriot Day, we remember the lives lost and honor the first responders, service members, and everyday citizens whose courage and compassion were felt across the nation.

Twenty-five years later, Patriot Day remains a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of standing together in times of hardship.

At West York, we join communities across the country in remembering, reflecting, and honoring all those impacted by that day.

In recognition of Veterans Day, the West York Area High School Social Studies Department is once again holding its annual Flag Campaign to benefit Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Community members are invited to donate in honor of the veterans in their lives. All funds raised will be donated to DAV, which provides support to veterans and their families by helping them access benefits, care, employment opportunities, and other resources.

The campaign runs through October 30, and flags will begin appearing outside the High School on November 6 as a visible tribute leading up to Veterans Day.

To participate, click the image to the right or visit the West York campaign page: https://support.dav.org/participant/westyorkhs

Questions can be directed to Ms. Emily Rubalcaba. ejrubalcaba@wyasd.org

Congratulations to West York Area High School freshman Mason Mansfield, who recently received his American Legion School Award and scholarship!

Mason was selected for the honor during last year’s Middle School Awards Ceremony, but because the presenter was unable to attend, the official presentation took place last week.

The American Legion School Award recognizes students who demonstrate the qualities of courage, honor, scholarship, leadership, service, and patriotism, with an emphasis on developing strong, engaged citizens.

Congratulations, Mason, on this well-deserved recognition!

West York Area High School’s Fall Back-to-School Night looked a little different this year with the introduction of its first-ever Back to School Curriculum Fair.

Families had the opportunity to explore the wide range of courses available across each department and learn more about what students can experience during their four years at WYAHS. Faculty and staff shared examples of student work, hands-on projects, and key learning opportunities from their classes.

Families could also learn more about High School clubs, upcoming events and fundraisers, the in-school First Capital Federal Credit Union, and additional student support services.

It was a great evening to showcase the many opportunities available to our high school students and give families a closer look at all West York has to offer.

Students at Lincolnway Elementary who completed 500 minutes of reading over the summer, and logged their time on a reading calendar, were rewarded with a fun trip to the Lincolnway Slip and Slide!

The challenge helped students keep their reading skills sharp over the summer while building strong reading habits. Their hard work paid off with a well-deserved celebration full of fun and plenty of splashes. Congratulations to all of our summer readers!

Students at Lincolnway and Trimmer Elementary Schools are invited to participate in the Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest with this year’s theme: “Charge Into Fire Safety!”

Poster board will be provided by the West Manchester Township Fire Department and will be available in each school office. Entries must include the student’s name, teacher's name, phone number, and address on the back and be turned in to the school office by Thursday, October 1.

Posters will be displayed for community voting during the West Manchester Township Truck Touch Event at Lincolnway Fire Company, 300 East Berlin Road, on Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., rain or shine. Votes are 50 cents each, with proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The winning student will receive a very special prize — a ride to school in a fire truck!

The Harlem Wizards are coming to West York on Thursday, November 12! Our teachers, principals, and staff will take the court against the Wizards for an exciting evening of basketball, entertainment, and Bulldog spirit.

Funds raised will benefit The Foundation for the West York Area School District and its teacher grant program, which brings creative classroom ideas and projects to life.

We will need parent volunteers to help make the event a success and are also seeking game sponsors. More information about these opportunities will be shared soon.

To save the event on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1082087934549631/

Tickets go on sale September 17th at 8:00 a.m. In the meantime, you can watch a short video about the event by clicking here: https://harlemwizardsinabox.com/game/event/yorkpa11-12-26-07-00pm/

One more Picture Day to go. Wallace families, your turn is coming up—get those smiles ready!

• Wallace Elementary School — Wednesday, September 16

Families of our second and third grade students are invited to Fall in Love with Lincolnway on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Lincolnway Elementary School and playground.

Hosted by the Title One Program and PTO, this community event is a chance for all Lincolnway families to spend time together, get to know the school, and enjoy an evening of fun. Activities will include face painting, lawn games, a STEM activity, reading activities, a photo booth, free popcorn, and a book giveaway. Food trucks will also be available for purchases.

All Lincolnway families are welcome — we hope to see you there!

West York Area High School yearbooks are now available to order, and families can receive FREE personalization through September 18.

This year’s theme is “Forever a Bulldog,” celebrating the memories, friendships, and experiences that make the high school years special. Senior families can also purchase yearbook ads to recognize and celebrate their graduating student.

Yearbooks can be ordered through the Jostens website: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1043306/West-York-Area-High-School/

Junior Achievement of South Central PA will bring its REAL Life program to West York Area High School on Wednesday, September 23, helping students build practical skills for life after graduation. Through interactive activities, students will explore topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, careers, insurance, investing, and other real-world financial decisions.

Adult volunteers are needed to help lead the activities and work with students throughout the day. The program will run approximately 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., with training and on-site support provided.

Interested in volunteering? Check out this linked video for more information.
Click the flyer image to the right or the registration link below to sign up. https://form.jotform.com/212215942576962

Family First Health’s Mobile Dental Team will visit several West York schools during the 2026-27 school year to provide dental care during the school day. Families must complete a new enrollment form for each child every school year at least two weeks prior to the scheduled visit.

Enroll at this link or by clicking the image below: https://familyfirsthealth.jotform.com/251734387844063

Upcoming Fall Visits:

• Trimmer Elementary | October 26
• Lincolnway Elementary | November 2
• Middle School | November 9
• Wallace Elementary | November 16

SEPTEMBER 2026

• Tuesday, September 15 | 5:30 p.m. — Cocurricular Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, September 15 | 6:30 p.m. — Board Voting Meeting
• Wednesday, September 16 — Wallace Picture Day
• Wednesday, September 16 | 6:00 p.m. — Elementary PTO Meeting @ Wallace Elementary
• Thursday, September 17 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. — Lincolnway Fall Community Night
• Tuesday, September 22 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. — Board Voting Meeting - Interviews and selection of new Board Member
• Wednesday, September 23 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. — Bulldog Pantry Distribution @ High School
• Friday, September 25 — Early Dismissal
• Friday, September 25 — Mini-THON Gold Out Football Game

OCTOBER 2026

• Wednesday, October 7 | 6:00 p.m. — Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally
• Friday, October 9 — Professional Learning Day, No School for Students
• Friday, October 9 | 7:00 p.m. — Homecoming Football Game
• Saturday, October 10 | 7:00 p.m. — Homecoming Dance
• Monday, October 12 — Columbus Day Holiday, No School for Students
• Tuesday, October 13 | 5:30 p.m. — Budget & Finance Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, October 13 | 7:00 p.m. — Work Session of the Board
• Tuesday, October 20 | 5:30 p.m. — Communication & Engagement Committee (CEC) Meeting
• Tuesday, October 20 | 6:30 p.m. — Board Voting Meeting
• Wednesday, October 21 | 6:00 p.m. — Elementary PTO Meeting @ Wallace Elementary
• Thursday, October 22 | 6:00 p.m. — Trunk or Treat @ High School
• Friday, October 23 — Early Dismissal / End of 1st Marking Period
• Monday, October 26 — Mobile Dentist Visit @ Trimmer Elementary

As work continues on the District’s Athletic Fields Project, please use caution around all construction areas. Construction areas may change as work progresses. Thank you for helping us keep our campuses safe.

• Stay on designated walkways and paths
• Do not cross temporary fencing or barriers
• Avoid construction equipment and materials
• Watch for moving construction vehicles
• Follow all posted signage and staff directions

The Community Corner on our website is a helpful resource for families to explore information from local organizations about upcoming events, clubs, camps, programs, and other community opportunities.

Keep up with all things WYASD!

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