Blue & White Newsletter - 8/22/25

The first days of the 2025-2026 school year brought excitement, energy, and plenty of smiles across our District. From the moment buses pulled up and doors opened, students eagerly stepped off to greet familiar faces and new beginnings.

Hallways and classrooms quickly came to life as students reconnected with teachers, reunited with friends, and met new classmates. Teachers and staff welcomed everyone with open arms, creating a warm and supportive environment that set the tone for a successful year ahead.

The photos captured during these first days highlight the joy of learning, the importance of community, and the excitement of new opportunities. Whether it was finding classrooms, sharing laughs with friends, or shaking hands with teachers, every moment reflected the spirit of growth and possibility that defines West York.

With the year now underway, students and staff are ready to learn, grow, and make this an AWESOME school year filled with achievement, discovery, and memorable experiences.

Each year, our senior class comes together on the very first day of school to celebrate the beginning of their final year with the special tradition of Senior Sunrise. Seniors gather welcome the morning's sunrise and to reflect on how far they’ve come, share excitement for the year ahead, and look forward to the memories they’ll create together.

This tradition holds a special meaning, as it marks both a beginning and an ending. The senior class will close this important chapter of their lives at graduation—an event that typically concludes just before sunset. From sunrise to sunset, their senior year is a journey of growth, celebration, and lasting friendships.

We are proud of our Class of 2026 and look forward to supporting them as they make the most of this milestone year. Here’s to new memories, bright futures, and a year they’ll never forget!

Upon arrival, students were greeted with enthusiasm by our incredible Link Crew leaders (stay tuned for more about them in the next article). From the start, the day was filled with activities designed to help students get comfortable with the High School, understand expectations, and connect with one another.

The day kicked off in homerooms, where students watched a welcome video and received their locker assignments. Next, they headed to the gym for an energetic Opening Ceremony featuring games like Simon Says, balloon-popping challenges, and more. They also enjoyed a guided school tour, giving them the chance to explore their new environment with confidence.

Freshmen even had the opportunity to run through their schedules, spending a few minutes in each class and practicing how to navigate from room to room — a perfect way to prepare for the year ahead.

The Class of 2029 is off to an exciting start, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!

Our High School Link Crew did an outstanding job supporting and welcoming freshmen on their very first day as WY Bulldogs!

So, what exactly is Link Crew? It’s a student-led transition program developed by The Boomerang Project that trains juniors and seniors to serve as mentors for incoming freshmen and new students. The goal is to make the transition to high school smoother by offering guidance, building connections, boosting academic success, and fostering a positive, safe school climate. Link Crew accomplishes this through orientation activities, academic follow-ups, social events, and ongoing peer support.

Before the big day on August 20th, Link Crew leaders worked hard to prepare for the arrival of the Class of 2029. They completed training, organized engaging activities, and created colorful banners and posters to ensure that every new student felt welcomed and supported as they began the 2025–2026 school year.

Link Crew Members: Anthony Acosta, Matthew Agapis, Joseph Amador Bustillo, Harmony Breen, Logan Claycomb, Adam Coe, Hadlee Cotton, Chase Cristofoletti, Jaxon Ferber, Camryn Forsythe, Cooper Godfrey, Logan Goodling, Leah Harlacher, Zamir Harris, Onadra Henlon, Brooke Hogue, Reagan Hughes, Cody Kohler, Breckin Lasher, Maddie McGlynn, Logan McHale, Brooke Nalls, Masha Njoroge, Madison Puckett, Audriana Reinoso, Quinton Rhone, Cora Rodgers, Michael Roe, Landon Royer, Judah Schmidt, Maya Shah, Megan Chikezie, Felicity Sipe, Brianna Tabasko, Arianna Tenuta, Dru Thomson, Kevin Vu, Tyler Walls, Lily Weaver, Connor Whitesel, Noah Wurm, Juneira Zambrana, and Juliette Zech.

What a fantastic start for the sixth-graders at West York Area Middle School! Transition day was a huge success, thanks to a warm welcome and some fun, engaging activities.

The day kicked off with an assembly led by Academic Action Team Leaders, Mr. Wayne Dull and Mr. Sam Miller, who got everyone pumped up and ready to go. Students learned all about BARK and the 7 Habits of Leader in Me.

But it wasn't just all talk! The sixth-graders got to jump right into middle school life. They met all their teachers and even mastered the tricky combination lock. Talk about a rite of passage! The Middle School Bulldog Ambassadors (select group of 7th and 8th graders) were also on hand, providing tours, offering support where needed, and setting up pep rally activities.

To cap off the day, students were treated to their very first middle school pep rally and the legendary “Sacred Paw.” In the end, Team Aquilla emerged victorious, earning bragging rights until the big fall pep rally where the sixth-graders will get their chance to face off against the seventh and eighth-graders.

What an amazing day for the newest Middle School Bulldogs! Here's to a great school year filled with learning, friendship, and plenty of bulldog spirit!

At Tuesday's Board Meeting, the West York Area School District was recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the fourth year from The NAMM Foundation!

This national recognition—now in its 26th year—celebrates school districts that go above and beyond to ensure every student has access to exceptional music programs. It’s a tribute to the passion of our teachers, the dedication of our students, and the unwavering support of our families and community.

From the first note played in elementary school to the final performance on our high school stage, music education is thriving in West York thanks to our AWESOME Music Department!

Congratulations to Maggie VanBrakle (Wallace), Sarah Foery (Trimmer), Laurie Kumontis (Middle School), Rod Meckley (High School), Janine Miller (Trimmer), Robert Titus (Middle and High School), and Faith Wentworth (Lincolnway), and all of our student-musicians!

Pictured above at the Board Meeting (left to right): Robert Titus, Sarah Foery, Laurie Kumontis, Janine Miller, and Faith Wenworth.

As the new NJROTC instructor, I want to emphasize how proud and humbled I am to join such a resilient group of students, parents and teachers. I appreciate the gravity of this program and the impact it has had on both the students and the school district. Accordingly, my intent is to move forward with speed to establish a robust and enduring NJROTC unit that is committed to the West York Area School District mission of "Every Student Every Day".

West York NJROTC will be a unique experience where we will focus on personal accountability, community engagement and professional excellence. Though I am a Naval Officer by trade, the focus of this program will be less on recruitment for military service and more on personal and professional leadership development. It is important to note that student actions outside of the NJROTC unit can affect the unit as a whole, so cadets will be expected to maintain the same high standards both in and out of the classroom. Students can also expect a robust mix of guest speakers and field trips, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development outside the classroom.

If students are interested in th NJROTC program, please have them reach out to their respective guidance counselor. Please don't hesitate to also reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you have about this premiere leadership program. I look forward to working with all of our amazing students and remain thankful for the trust and confidence that you have put in me as a mentor and teacher. -Ryan P. Anderson, CAPTAIN, USN (Ret.) RPANDERSON@WYASD.ORG.

Pictured below is Capt. Anderson with one of his NROTC classes.

On Wednesday, Wallace Elementary, Lincolnway Elementary, and Trimmer Elementary opened their doors to welcome students and families for their annual Open House events. These gatherings provided a wonderful opportunity for our younger Bulldogs to explore their schools and feel prepared for the year ahead.

Students, joined by their parents and guardians, toured hallways, located their classrooms, and met administrators who are ready to support them this year. Many also visited common spaces such as the cafeteria and the media center/library, giving them a sense of familiarity and excitement for their daily routines.

The Open Houses were filled with smiles, laughter, and anticipation as families connected with the school community and celebrated the start of a new year. These events not only help ease first-day jitters, but also highlight the strong partnership between home and school that helps every child thrive.

With the halls now full of energy and enthusiasm, our elementary Bulldogs are ready to embark on a successful 2025-2026 school year!

The West York Area High School is proud to be home to the Bulldog Pantry, a vital resource that provides monthly food distributions for West York families with students in grades K–12. From September through May, the pantry helps ensure that no Bulldog goes without the essentials needed to thrive at school and at home.

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Bulldog Pantry is preparing to meet the growing needs of our community. Each year, the number of families supported continues to increase, and while we are committed to serving them with care, some of the funding and support available in the past is no longer accessible. This makes donations more important than ever.

We are grateful for the generosity of our community and invite continued support to help stock the pantry’s shelves. Every contribution makes a difference for our Bulldog families, and together, we can ensure that students have what they need to succeed.

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.

Does your child have signs or symptoms of the flu, COVID or RSV? Did they test positive?

The recommendations are that your child stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication and that they feel good enough to return to school. The CDC also recommends (it is optional) that a mask be worn for 5 days after their return to school if they had been home due to testing positive for COVID.

Students who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID do not need to stay home from school unless they come down with symptoms or test positive.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your school nurse. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our school community healthy!

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.

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.

West York School District Families! First Capital Federal Credit Union is proud to continue its partnership with the West York Area School District and the community. For more than a decade, we’ve provided financial education to students at every grade level, helping build the foundation for smart money habits. In 2020, our connection grew even stronger when the West York Area School District Employees Federal Credit Union merged into First Capital, extending membership to district staff. Last year, we took that partnership to the next level with the opening of the Bulldog Branch!

Yes…That’s right we are back! My name is Kayla Weaver and I am the School Branch Coordinator for First Capital Federal Credit Union.

The Bulldog Branch of First Capital Federal Credit Union is a fully operational branch inside the High School. Located in the arts and world language hallway, the Bulldog Branch is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM to students and staff of the West York Area High School. The branch allows students and staff to process transactions, open accounts, and get hands on financial literacy right inside of the High School.

We’re very excited to be back open and look forward to seeing everyone during special events throughout the school year. Stop by and take a closer look at the branch, and welcome back our student ambassador, senior Lily Perry, during Back-to-School-Night on September 3rd ! We look forward to seeing you and answering any questions you may have.

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.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact [insert contact information here]. 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!

Our Back to School Nights are a great way for families to meet teachers, hear about the year’s curriculum, and learn how we can all work together to support student success.

Back to School Night Dates by School:

• Wallace Elementary: Monday August 25th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

• Lincolnway Elementary: Tuesday, August 26th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

• Trimmer Elementary: Wednesday, August 27th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

• West York Area Middle School: Thursday, August 28th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

• West York Area High School: Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Mark your calendars! The dates for school pictures are as follows:

• High School - Wednesday, August 27th
• Middle School - Thursday, August 28th
• Lincolnway Elementary School - Tuesday, September 16th
• Wallace Elementary School - Wednesday, September 17th
• Trimmer Elementary School - Tuesday, September 23rd

AUGUST 2025

• Monday, August 25, Wallace Back to School Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
• Tuesday, August 26, Lincolnway Back to School Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
• Wednesday, August 27, High School Picture Day
• Wednesday, August 27, Trimmer Back to School Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
• Thursday, August 28, Middle School Piciture Day
• Thursday, August 28, Middle School Back to School Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
• Friday, August 29, Early Dismissal

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

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.

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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