Blue & White Newsletter - 9/12/25

On Thursday, our nation paused to remember the victims, honor the heroes, and reflect on the spirit of unity that followed the tragedy of September 11, 2001. This day is now observed each year as Patriot Day, a time to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the countless acts of bravery shown that day and in the days that followed.

In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans came together with courage, compassion, and resilience. We continue to honor not only the lives lost and the first responders who risked everything, but also the strength of communities that stood united in the face of adversity. September 11th reminds us of the importance of remembrance and the enduring power of kindness, service, and solidarity.

Across the country, many communities hold memorial events, observe moments of silence, and fly flags at half-staff. As shared in last week's issue, our distinguished NJROTC Unit, under the direction of Capt. Ryan Anderson, USN (Retired), had the honor of serving as Color Guard for this year’s Court of Valor and Safekeepers Shrine Ceremonies at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Well done, cadets!

Wallace Elementary students who completed their summer reading calendars enjoyed a special camping-themed celebration during the school day. Students “gathered around the campfire” to share stories, played camping bingo, and each won a book to add to their home library. To top it all off, they learned a little about camping while enjoying a delicious s’mores snack.

A big thank-you goes out to the West York PTO for providing the sweet treat and to the McDowell family for generously lending us a tent that made the camping atmosphere complete.

It was a fun-filled day that celebrated both reading and community. Be on the lookout for the next reading incentive calendar coming home in October!

Students at Lincolnway Elementary who logged 500 minutes of reading over the summer didn’t just avoid the “summer slide”—they got to enjoy a real one! To celebrate their dedication, eligible students were invited to participate in the annual Lincolnway Slip and Slide event, organized by Ms. Shay Becker and Ms. Jen Myers, Reading Specialists.

The tradition turns the large hill beside the school into a giant, soapy water slide. With plastic stretched down the slope and hoses spraying water and suds, students lined up for their turn to zip down the hill. Laughter, cheers, and plenty of splashes filled the afternoon as readers turned their hard work into high-speed fun.

Teachers and staff cheered on the participants, proud of the effort students put into building strong reading habits over the summer months. The event not only rewarded students’ commitment to learning but also highlighted the importance of keeping skills sharp while school is out.

Some of our kindergarten students in Ms. Taylor Schlemmer's class at Wallace Elementary proudly wore red, white, and blue to school in honor of Patriot Day. Their bright colors served as a reminder of the importance of this day and the unity it represents. Seeing our youngest students take part in this day of remembrance is a meaningful way to keep the spirit of unity and respect alive for future generations.

Mr. Joshua Fry and Mr. Kenneth Goisovich’s Safety Education classes at the High School recently welcomed a very special — and very familiar — guest speaker: Officer Laron Woody, the school’s dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO).

Officer Woody spent time with students sharing valuable information about the training police officers go through, his daily responsibilities as an SRO, and the tools and equipment he uses while on duty. He also gave practical advice on how to safely handle traffic stops and provided a live demonstration of standard field sobriety testing.

The highlight of the session came when Ms. Carrie Jones, High School Principal, joined Officer Woody to participate in the sobriety test demonstration, much to the students’ enjoyment. This interactive experience not only kept students engaged but also helped reinforce the importance of responsible decision-making and personal safety.

Thank you, Officer Woody!

Ms. Marlena Markey’s 1st grade class at Wallace Elementary is laying the groundwork for strong mathematical thinking through hands-on counting collections! As part of the Everyday Math (EDM) curriculum, students are exploring numbers by grouping, organizing, and counting a variety of objects.

The activity allows students to practice important skills such as one-to-one correspondence, grouping by tens, and recognizing number patterns. By working with real items, the children are able to connect abstract math concepts to meaningful, concrete experiences.

On Tuesday, our Nursing Home Buddies program kicked off another wonderful year of visits with the residents of SpiriTrust Lutheran Home. Students from the High School had the chance to reconnect with their friends, share laughter, and brighten the day through games and entertainment.

This year, returning participants Jaden McFarlin, Aaryn Haines, Kris Pizarro, Sam Molina, and Jacob Eash, joined by Mr. Jason Lyons, Secondary School Counselor, continued their commitment by joining the program for a second year. Their monthly visits have helped them form strong and meaningful relationships with both residents and staff, making each reunion a joyful occasion.

The smiles, conversations, and connections made during these visits highlight the importance of kindness, service, and community. Both students and residents look forward to the time they spend together, and the Nursing Home Buddies program continues to be a wonderful example of how small acts of caring can make a big difference.

First grade students in Ms. Marlena Markey’s class at Wallace Elementary recently turned their classroom into a lively rainstorm—but without a single drop of water! As part of a hands-on Science lesson, students used their bodies to imitate the sounds of rain, from the lightest sprinkle to a booming downpour. They clapped hands and stomped feet to create the rhythm of rainfall, discovering how vibrations produce the sounds we hear every day.

This engaging activity not only made science come alive, but also helped students connect what they were learning to the world around them. By exploring sound in such a playful way, the class gained a deeper understanding of how vibrations shape the noises we hear.

The lesson was a wonderful reminder that learning can be active, creative, and fun! Check out the video by clicking the bar below.

Every year at Lincolnway Elementary, students eagerly participate in a friendly competition that helps keep everyone healthy and organized. School nurse Ms. Melissa Franklin encourages every student to promptly return their Health History Forms — and to make things even more exciting, she offers a special reward. Each winning class gets to request a special snack of their choosing.

The first 2nd grade class, the first 3rd grade class, and the first Laurel Life class at Lincolnway Elementary to have their students turn in their Health History forms won a special snack from Ms. Franklin.

“This is such a fun way to get kids involved,” said Ms. Franklin. “It’s not just about paperwork — it’s about helping me take the best care of our students.”

Parents and guardians played a big role in the success of this tradition, too, by having completed and returned the forms so promptly. Thanks to their cooperation, Ms. Franklin can stay up to date on any health concerns, allergies, or special needs.

The three winning classes are:

• 2nd Grade - Ms. Heather Kopp's Class
• Gold Fish
• 3rd Grade - Ms. Vicki Ashlin's Class
• Apples, mixed nuts, fresh pineapple, and bannas
• Special Ed Class - Ms. Jamie Berno's Class
• Martin's Popcorn

Homecoming season is here, and West York is ready to celebrate with a week full of Bulldog pride, tradition, and community spirit! Everyone is invited to take part in the excitement—whether you’re a student, alumni, neighbor, or lifelong fan, there’s something for you to enjoy. Besure to mark your calendars now!

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally – Show Your Spirit!

Wednesday, October 1st
Kick off the festivities with the annual Homecoming Parade as students, faculty, staff and administrators parade through the streets of West York. Bring your family, invite your friends, and line the sidewalks to cheer on the Bulldogs as the parade passes by! Following the parade, head over to the High School for the Pep Rally where food trucks will be set up with a variety of delicious options available for purchase.

• Parade route shown below. Parade begins at the High School at 6:00 PM
• Any K-8th grade students are required to be accompanied by an adult during the Pep Rally
• Pep Rally concludes at 8:00 PM

Homecoming Football Game – Friday Night Lights!

Friday, October 3rd
Friday night brings the big game as our Bulldogs face South Western High School. Fans can rally together under the lights, celebrate school pride, and witness the exciting announcement and coronation of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen. It’s an evening of football, tradition, and unforgettable memories for the entire West York community.

• Homecoming Announcement/Coronation - 6:45 PM
• Football Game - 7:00 PM
• Please view important information about WYASD Athletic Events Attendance Expectations

Homecoming Dance – Theme: Let's Play CLUE - Who Stole the Golden Bulldog?

Saturday, October 4th
To close out the celebration, high school students will enjoy the Homecoming Dance, a chance to dress up, dance, and create lasting memories with friends. This year's theme is based on the board game, CLUE, but West York style! Someone stole the Golden Bulldog and everyone on the Homecoming Court are suspects!

• The Homecoming Dance is a ticketed event for high school students only

This year’s Homecoming festivities are all about bringing together the West York community. Mark your calendars, gather your Bulldog gear, and join us in celebrating tradition, spirit, and pride. Let’s make Homecoming 2025 one to remember!

On November 11, we will take time to recognize and honor the veterans in our local community. To mark this important day, the High School Social Studies Department is launching a Flag Campaign to raise funds for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Organization.

If you were with us last year, you may remember the beautiful display of flags along Bannister Street (pictured to the left). You can check out the ABC27 News video clip from last year as well!

This year, we hope to make an even bigger impact by displaying more flags than ever before! Did you know that West York is home to over 1,200 veterans? We invite you to honor the veterans in your life by supporting this fundraiser.

As contributions accumulate, DAV will send flags to be proudly displayed outside the High School. Our fundraising campaign runs through October 29, so don’t wait — help us fill the lawn with flags! You can look for the display beginning November 7 in front of the High School.

To donate, please use our school’s designated link below. Together, we can honor those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

We are excited to announce that our High School will be hosting a Career Expo on Friday, October 24th, and we want to partner with you, our parents and the West York community, to make it a success! This event is designed to give students the chance to explore a wide variety of careers, ask questions, and learn about what local businesses and organizations do — as well as discover current and future career opportunities.

This is a wonderful way for businesses to educate students about the industries in which they thrive. It truly takes a community to prepare and inspire the next generation of workers and leaders, and we would love to showcase the many career paths available to our students.

If your place of employment would be interested in hosting a table at the Career Expo, we encourage you to invite them to participate. Employers are welcome to share job openings, internship opportunities, or simply educate students about their field.

Your attendance and support mean more than you know — together, we can create a meaningful learning experience for our students.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to the point of contact at your workplace or share it with other businesses or organizations that may be interested in participating.

For more details, please click the bar below. If you have any questions or wish to register your organization for a table at the Career Expo, please reach out to Ms. Manda Meese, Diversified Occupations Teacher/Business Education Teacher at 717-845-6634 or via email at mrmeese@wyasd.org.

*RSVP required by Friday, Sept. 26th, if possible. Please reply by providing Ms. Meese with the name(s) of the individual(s) representing your business or organization and any needs or questions you may have.

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, it's time for the annual West Manchester Township Fire Department's Fire Prevention Poster Contest! This contest is open to all Lincolnway Elementary and Trimmer Elementary students.

Use your imagination to create a poster with this year's N.F.P.A.'s fire prevention theme - CHARGE into Fire Safety!

Details:

• Poster board will be available in the main office at Lincolnway and Trimmer
• Make sure your name, your teacher's name, your parent/guardian's telephone number, and your home address are on the back of your poster
• Posters will be displayed for voting during the West Manchester Township Truck Touch event at Lincolnway Fire Company, 300 E. Berlin Road
• Saturday, October 4th - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
• Each vote will cost 50 cents with the proceeds going to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• Deadline for posters to be submitted to the Lincolnway/Trimmer main offices is Thursday, October 2nd

The Prize . . . The winner from each Lincolnway and the winner from Trimmer will be picked up at their home and brought to school in a fire truck!

• PSAT: WYAHS will proctor (free of charge) the PSAT to registered JUNIORS on Wednesday, October 15th from 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Registration information coming soon.

• ASVAB: WYAHS will proctor to registered students the school-ASVAB on Monday, November 3rd at 8:00 AM.

• Virtual Informational FAFSA Zoom: PHEAA representative will help guide families through the FAFSA application process on Monday, September 22nd from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Zoom link below or scan the QR Code to the left. This is an interactive Zoom and will allow families to ask questions during the session.
  

• FAFSA Completion Night: Local college financial aid representatives and our local PHEAA representative will be here to assist families in completing the FAFSA application on Monday, October 20th from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM in the HS Media Center.

• Instant Admissions Decision Events: A "College Instant Admissions event" is a recruitment event where students can receive an on-the-spot admission decision from a college or university after meeting with an admissions counselor and reviewing their application materials. Students should bring their transcripts, test scores, and other required documents (Counselors will assist with access to these documents) to the event to facilitate the on-site review process. While these decisions are not binding and students can still apply to other schools, the events offer a quick way to get an admission offer and can serve as a "safety" admission, especially for students applying to less competitive institutions.
• York College of Pennsylvania - Wednesday, October 8th - 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Shippensburg University - Tuesday, October 28th - 9:30 - 11:00 AM




Contact your child’s HS Counselor if you have questions about any of these events.

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 is here, the school year is officially underway, and it’s the perfect time to start saving with an account at the Bulldog Branch! Through our Bulldog Buck$ and NextGen programs, we’re helping students develop real world financial skills that will last a lifetime.

To kick off the school year, we’re excited to offer a special Back-to-School promotion at the Bulldog Branch. When your student opens a new membership with First Capital before September 30th, they’ll be entered to win a Back-to-School essentials basket packed with everything they need to start the year strong!

Whether your student is saving for school supplies, budgeting their allowance, or learning how to manage their very first account, the Bulldog Branch is here to support them every step of the way.

Did you know . . . your entire family is eligible to join First Capital Federal Credit Union?! Why not make it a family affair and start building a brighter financial future together? Accounts can even

be opened online at FirstCapitalFCU.com using the promo code “Bulldog6.” We’d be thrilled to welcome your family to ours!

Have any questions about First Capital, membership, or the Bulldog Buck$ program? Stop by

the Bulldog Branch on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and talk to Lily or

Kayla to learn more about the account opening process. Or feel free to reach out to School

Branch Coordinator Kayla Weaver by email at kaylaw@firstcapitalfcu.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Tuesday, September 16, Lincolnway Elementary School Picture Day
• Tuesday, September 16, Cocurricular Committee Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, September 16, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Wednesday, September 17, Wallace Elementary School Picture Day
• Tuesday, September 23, Trimmer Elementary School Picture Day
• Thursday, September 25, Wellness Committee Meeting (3:15 PM)
• Friday, September 26, Early Dismissal

OCTOBER 2025

• Wednesday, October 1, Community Homecoming Parade/Bonfire (6:00 PM)
• Friday, October 3, Homecoming Football Game and Coronation (7:00 PM)
• Saturday, October 4, High School Homecoming Dance (7:00 PM)
• Friday, October 10, Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
• Monday, October 13, Columbus Day - No School
• Tuesday, October 14, Work Session of the Board (7:00 PM)
• Wednesday, October 15, Elementary PTO Meeting (6:00 PM)
• Monday, October 20, FAFSA Completion Night at the HS (6:00 PM)
• Tuesday, October 21, Communication and Engagement Committee (CEC) (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, October 21, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 23, Trunk or Treat (6:00 PM)
• Friday, October 24, Early Dismissal, Marking Period 1 Ends/HS Semester 1/Term 1 Ends

Join our Elementary PTO! Our Elementary PTO plays a vital role in supporting students and teachers through events, programs, and classroom resources. We invite all parents and guardians to get involved—whether by attending meetings, volunteering at events, participating in fundraisers or sharing ideas. Together, we can make this school year the best one yet for our kids!

The West York Area Middle School Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is organized to support and enrich educational opportunities for students. The relationships within the school community, which includes students, families, and staff are a vital influence on the success of our children's futures. The PTSO's purpose is to foster open communication and a sense of support, pride, enthusiasm, and excellence for the educational process at West York Area Middle School.

Our first Restaurant Night fundraiser of the school year is coming up and it's at Chick-fil-A! Details:

• Where: Chick-fil-A - 922 Loucks Rd, York, PA 17404
• When: Tuesday September 23, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• 10% of sales will go to the Middle School PTSO

This is an in person, drive thru and online fundraiser, but is only during the hours of 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Save yourself some time cooking and come out and support the PTSO- one chicken sandwich or box of nuggets at a time! No flyer to show or code to use - just say West York Area Middle School!

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.

Newly posted activities/event include:

• Epilepsy Association - Room for Friends Book Event for Children with Epilepsy
• Free event, including lunch
• YMCA York Synchro Swim Team Presentation - The Wizard of Oz
• Healthy Kids Running Series (Pre-K - 8th Graders)

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

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

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.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Bulldog Pantry! Your generosity is helping us prepare for our first distribution night of the school year on Thursday, September 18. We’re grateful for the way our Bulldog family continues to show up for one another. Together, we can make sure no one goes without.

As we get closer to that date, we continue to welcome donations of pantry staples to ensure shelves are well stocked for our families.

The items most in need include:

• 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

Donations can be dropped off at the High School office during school hours. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference in supporting our community.

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.

Don’t miss your chance to lock in the best deal on this year’s West York Area High School yearbook! Prices will increase starting Saturday, September 13th, so now is the perfect time to purchase at the lowest price of the year. You can scan the QR Code in the image below or click the red bar below to order your yearbook.

The yearbook is a keepsake filled with memories, photos, and highlights from the entire school year—something your student will treasure for years to come. Order today to save before the price goes up!

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 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

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.

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