Blue & White Newsletter - 4/25/25

The 8th grade gifted seminar team at the Middle School competed in the "What's So Cool About Manufacturing" Contest, where they paired with York Precision Machining and Hydraulics to create a video showcasing their manufacturing process. On April 17, some of the students attended the awards dinner ceremony. West York was presented with the Outstanding Career Pathway award for their video.

The members of the 8th Grade Gifted Seminar Team are: Avery Appnel, Zaina Lee, Savannah Morgan, Camden Plappert, Peyton Ream, Eden Reinoso, Lena Smith, Kaden Strausbaugh, Noah Wagaman, and Alexis Weaver.

The students who attended and accepted the award pictured below are: Lena Smith, Savannah Morgan, Kaden Strausbaugh, and Noah Wagaman. The group was accompanied by Ms. Lisa Konopinski, Gifted Seminar Teacher, on the far left and Ms. Kimberly Patrick, SHRM-CP of Career Ready Lancaster, and Mr. Bruce Newell, President and CEO of Mantec on the far right.

A list of winners and all of the videos can be viewed by clicking the What's So Cool About Manufacturing image above.

In celebration of Earth Day, students from the Biomedical Honors Club at the High School, led by Ms. Kirsty Houck - HS Biology teacher, designed five station activities for the kindergarten classes. On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons this week, they visited Wallace Elementary to work side by side with the kindergartners visiting five different classrooms each day. The five stations were:

1. Sunflower Painting and Earth Ornament Decorating Station
2. Happy "Earth" Day Birthday Station where high school students taught the younger students to sign the song
3. Recycle/Reuse/Reduce Station where students reviewed these concepts with the help of "Randy the Recycle Man"
4. Animal Habitat Station where students created unique animal sticker designs and drew habitats for their animals
5. Earth Day Bracelet Station

The following Biomedical Honors Club Students planned and executed the event: Ava King, Sierra Shupp, Nomey Khan, Addison Skimski, Moira Santos, Emily Bookhamer, Maddie McGlynn, Reagan Hughes, Nick Whitacre, Xander Boyer, Connor Whitesel, Lilah Van Vorst, Nichole Simpson, Ari Tenuta, Fiona Myers, and Paige Berkheimer.

Meanwhile, kindergarteners in Ms. Kelly Lurz’s class marked the occasion with a creative challenge at home: repurpose an item that would typically be discarded and turn it into something new. Their imaginative creations included a foosball game, a desk organizer, bird feeders, guitars, a greenhouse, decorative pieces, and even fun toys to play with!

Congratulations to senior Donovan Justice on completing the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program through the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), hosted by the York Builders Association's Workforce Now Foundation.

This program offers high school students a hands-on introduction to careers in the building trades. It provides valuable, real-world experience and job-ready skills—giving students a head start and improving their chances of entering a full apprenticeship after graduation.

Pre-apprenticeships like this are a great way for students to explore the construction industry, discover their interests, and make informed decisions about future career paths.

Pictured below: Donovan’s family joined him in celebrating his achievement at the completion ceremony held on Thursday, April 24th.

The jazz band at the High School, directed by Mr. Rod Meckley, filled the lobby with lively jazz tunes during lunch on Wednesday. The performance created a fun and upbeat atmosphere, drawing students in to enjoy the music. Crowds gathered to listen, and it was clear that everyone appreciated the talent and entertainment during their midday break!

You can enjoy their talents yourself, tonight, as the High School and Middle School Jazz Bands take center stage for the HS/MS Jazz Concert that begins at 7:00 PM in the High School auditorium.

Earlier this week, we celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Our dedicated school bus drivers do so much more than drive. Rain or shine, early mornings and busy afternoons, they're there with a wave, a smile, and a steady hand on the wheel.

They are the first friendly face students see each day and the one who gets them home safely. They help set the tone for their day, and their patience, kindness, and watchful eye do not go unnoticed.

Thank you to our bus drivers for being a trusted presence, a calm guide, and a true everyday hero. Your hard work keeps our schools running and our students safe.

On April 22, the Trimmer POP Committee gave their bus drivers Sheetz giftcards and notes of appreciation.

We’re excited to let you know that Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner—a special time each year when we come together to recognize and celebrate the incredible work our teachers do every day.

This year, Teacher Appreciation Week will be observed from May 6–9, and our Elementary PTO and Middle School PTSO are already busy planning some fun and thoughtful ways to show our gratitude. From sweet surprises to creative classroom gestures, it’s a great opportunity for our school community to come together in appreciation of the educators who make a difference in our children’s lives.

Be sure to check out the PTO and PTSO Facebook pages for more details on how you and your child can participate—whether through small acts of kindness, donations, or helping with planned activities. Let’s make this a week to remember for our amazing teachers!

If you aren't already following your PTO/PTSO Facebook pages, scan the QR Code(s) below to check out the details and be sure to follow their pages for ongoing updates/events.

Join us for an elementary STEM activity night! Hands-on learning, discovery, RAFFLE DRAWING, and fun for all West York kindergarten through fifth grade students and their families.

Monday, May 19th

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

West York Area Middle School Cafeteria

Scan the QR Code below or click the image to register to attend.

This is a correction to the article in last week's issue of the Blue & White Newsletter. The names of the students under their pictures were not in the correct order. We apologize for the error.

Three West York seniors participated in and completed the Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program hosted by York Electrical Institute. Students met for six full-day sessions from January to April, and they learned about electrical and construction safety, component installation, Ohm's Law, conduit bending, and employability skills.

Calling all 6th - 8th grade students interested in cheerleading! Plan to attend the upcoming Spring Off-Season Cheer Camp - any experience level is welcome!

Where: West York Area High School Auxiliary Gym

When: April 29th, May 1st, and May 8th - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Also: Family Showcase: Thursday, May 8th @ 7:10 PM

Cost: FREE! (Donations to Cheer Program Welcomed)

Cheer shoes or soft sneakers are required.

Email Coach Randy at reriley@wyasd.org with the following information to register today (registration is required):

1. Athlete's First and Last Name
2. Current Grade
3. Years in Cheer
4. Any conflicts with the four dates listed above
5. Parent/Guardian phone number

With our March spring concerts behind us, April and May bring even more opportunities to enjoy the musical talents of our students! Mark your calendars for the upcoming concert dates below and join us in celebrating their hard work. Our students are excited to share their music with the community!

• Friday, April 25 - HS/MS Spring Jazz Concert - High School Auditorium - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Friday, May 9 - HS Band Spring Concert - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday, May 13 - Cherry Lane Box Lunch Revue - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MS/HS Jazz Bands perform downtown at Cherry Lane
• Thursday, May 15 - MS/HS Pops Concert - Middle School Auditorium - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 21 - MS Band Concert - Middle School Auditorium - 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Attention Students! You’re in luck! Want to earn extra cash just for using your First Capital Federal Credit Union account? Now’s your chance! Bulldog Buck$ is an exclusive program just for West York Area High School students! Open a membership at the Bulldog Branch and receive your very own Bulldog Buck$ Stamp Card. Every time you cash a check or make a deposit of $20.00 or more—whether it’s from your paycheck, cash from mowing your neighbor’s lawn, or birthday money—you’ll get a stamp! Once you fill up your card with 20 stamps, bring it back to us, and we’ll deposit $20.00 directly into your account! It’s that simple—earn rewards for saving and making deposits! Stop by today and start collecting your stamps!

Don’t forget! Tuesday and Wednesday are the last days of our Financial Literacy and Credit Union youth month celebrations where we are offering DOUBLE STAMPS on deposits over $50.00!

Does your family drink soda or other canned beverages? Do you use soup or other foods with metal pull tabs? Throughout April and May, the Middle School is collecting can tabs to support the Hershey Ronald McDonald House.

This marks the seventh year our school has participated in this initiative! The Ronald McDonald House provides a comforting place for families to stay while their child receives medical care. The collected can tabs are recycled to help fund this vital service for families in need.

Please save the tabs from soda cans, soup cans, and other pull-tab containers and drop them off at the Middle School by the last day of school, May 30th.

For any questions, contact our Middle School Reading Specialist, Ms. Jill Raudensky, via email at jeraudensky@wyasd.org. Thank you for your support!

Award Winners

4/25/2025

9th-10th Grades

Truss Holmes

For sharpening the whole box of pencils!

11th - 12th Grades

Darien Reimold

For helping with Bulldog Pantry!

Faculty & Staff

Mr. Albert Janaszek

For always making homeroom fun and having a good attitude!

Stay abreast of the Athletic Department's weekly news with the Bulldog Breakdown, a weekly recap of the prior week's athletic accomplishments and the upcoming sporting events.

Simply click the Bulldog Breakdown bar below to view the latest issue!

• Friday, April 25, HS/MS Spring Jazz Concert (7:00 PM at the High School)
• Saturday, April 26, Prom (6:00 PM)
• Wednesday, April 30, Guide to Middle School (6:30 PM for current 5th grade students)

• Tuesday, May 13, EPC Meeting (5:00 PM)
• Tuesday, May 13, Board Meeting - Combined Work Session and Voting Meeting (7:00 PM)
• Thursday, May 15, MS/HS Choral Pops Concert (6:30 PM @ MS)
• Monday, May 19, Remake Learning Family Event (5:30 PM @ MS Cafeteria)
• Wednesday, May 21, MS Band Concert (6:30 PM)
• Monday, May 26, Memorial Day - District Closed
• Thursday, May 29, Early Dismissal
• Thursday, May 29, Graduation (7:00 PM - Tickets Required)
• Friday, May 30, Early Dismissal and Last Day of School for Students

The May Work Session and the May Board Meeting will be combined into one meeting due to the May 20th Primary Election. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 PM

Check out two upcoming fundraisers to benefit our West York Football Booster Club.

Purse Bingo

• Sunday, April 27th - Doors Open at 1:30 PM
• Shiloh Fire Hall
• Tickets: $25
• Contact Jess @ 223-281-4262

Exciting news! Two new opportunities were recently added to the Community Corner page on the District’s website. Be sure to check them out!

• Theatre Arts for Everyone - Summer Camps
• Healthy Kids Running Series - Age Divisions 2/3 yr. olds through 8th grade

Be sure to visit the Community Corner page to stay up to date on community events, programs, and resources available to our students and families.

The content below was in last week's issue but it bears repeating as a reminder or for anyone who may have missed it. If pertinent details of an article are changed, we will pull the article above this section and highlight any changes.

Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year! 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 now. Simply visit the Registration page of our website by clicking the red link bar below. On that page, 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.

We can't wait to start meeting our newest little Bulldogs!

Check out the flyers linked below to learn about the opportunities being offered through MANTEC's free summer programs. The MFG U camps (one at York College, one at Millersville University) are for rising HS seniors. The MFG Access (in partnership with Thaddeus Stevens College at PA CareerLink in Lancaster) program is for 18-24 year olds.

Please reach out to Cindi Moses at cindi@mantec.org with any questions!

Using Your Computer to Report an Absence

MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence

From the District WEBSITE Attendance Page

➔ Scroll down to the vertical gray boxes just under the changing highlight pictures at the top of the District website's home page

➔ Click on the Attendance box

➔ Underneath Online Attendance click on Sapphire Community Portal Login

➔ On the login page put in your username and password (this must be set up prior to you using this page)

➔ On the left side is your student(s) name(s)

• If you have multiple students, please make sure you are at the correct student

➔ Under MY BACKPACK click on Student Data Forms (making sure it is the correct student)

➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank

➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form

➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary

Using the District App from Your Cell Phone to Report an Absence

MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence

➔ From the WYASD App Home Page, click on the More waffle icon on the right side of the screen

➔ Click on the Sapphire Portal icon on the right side of the screen

➔ Log in to Sapphire

➔ If you have multiple students, make sure you are in the correct student’s account

➔ At the bottom of the screen there is a purple circle with 3 white lines, click on the circle

➔ Click on the green circle marked Student Data Forms

➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank

➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form

➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary

If you are new to West York, you might be saying, "What is a Golden Bulldog Pass?" Exclusively for West York Area School District residents 65 and older, the Golden Bulldog Pass is valid for one admission to all District-sponsored events, including athletic events (excluding playoff events), fine arts events such as concerts, plays, and musicals, and special invitation-only events for senior citizens.

Our annual "Lunch and a Show" is our most popular invitation-only event and seating is limited! So, don't miss out on this and other opportunities! To learn more, please click the Golden Bulldog Pass card to the left.

Be sure to Like/Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don't experience FOMO - Fear of Missing Out! Simply click the images below.