YSSD November 2026 Newsletter

In a world that rarely slows down, the moments when we are truly present with one another stand out. Whether gathered around the dinner table, sharing a favorite tradition, or simply enjoying a conversation, these moments are worth cherishing.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to make time to listen to the stories of family members and loved ones, especially those who can share firsthand memories of earlier generations. Ask questions, learn something new about your family's history, and share your own stories. These conversations can deepen your appreciation for the experiences, traditions, and people who have shaped our lives.

We also celebrate American Education Week this month, a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many people who show up each day to support, encourage, and help our students succeed. Their dedication and the difference they make in our students' lives are worth celebrating. That shared commitment to making a meaningful difference makes York Suburban such a special community and inspires a BOLD future. I am deeply grateful to be part of it.

I hope the break brings you rest, meaningful moments, and time with the people you love. Happy Thanksgiving.

Scott Krauser, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

skrauser@yssd.org

All Month - National Career Development Month, Military Family Appreciation Month, and American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month

November 1 - Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 2-6 - School Psychologist Appreciation Week

November 3 - Municipal Election Day

November 4 - Trojan Spirit Day

November 8 - National STEM and STEAM Day

November 11 - Veterans Day

November 13 - World Kindness Day

November 15-21 - Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

November 16-20 - American Education Week

November 19 - Children’s Grief Awareness Day

November 20 - Substitute Educator Appreciation Day

No School: Professional Development/Act 80 Day

Tuesday, November 3

No School: Professional Development/Summer Trade Day

Wednesday, November 25

No School: District Offices Closed

Thursday, November 26 - Monday, November 30

Wear Blue on Thursday, November 19

In recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Day and the wonderful work our friends at Highmark Caring Place do for grieving children throughout the community, our school community is invited to wear blue on Thursday, November 19 to show your support for grieving children all over the world.

Children's Grief Awareness Day serves as an important reminder for all of us to recognize the profound impact that the death of a loved one has on a child. If you are parenting a grieving child this holiday season, you are not alone; please get in touch with your child’s counselor if there is any way we can support you. And be sure to visit our partner in education, Highmark Caring Place, at www.highmarkcaringplace.com for details on their no-cost peer support programs and referral services.

Wear Red on Friday, November 20

The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program is a statewide initiative dedicated to helping students experiencing homelessness have as regular a school life as possible. On Friday, November 20 (during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week), all members of our school community are invited to participate in Red Shirt Day. By wearing red, you will show your support and help shine a light on students in our district and across the state who face the challenges of homelessness each year while continuing their education.

Presented by York Suburban Trojan Theatre

November 12, 13, and 14, 7 p.m.

York Suburban High School Auditorium

Admission is $10 for Adults and $7 for Students

Purchase Tickets Online

Presented by York Suburban Middle School
November 20 and 21, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

York Suburban Middle School Auditorium
Admission is $10 for Adults and $5 for Students

Purchase Tickets Online - Available starting November 6

The U.S. News & World Report has published its 2027 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings, and the news is great for York Suburban! All three of our eligible schools (East York Elementary, Indian Rock Elementary, and York Suburban Middle School) received honors. Congratulations to our staff, students, and families!

Junior Ryker Reilly and senior Eden Gracey recently represented York Suburban at a York East Rotary Club meeting as the District’s Students of the Month. During the meeting, Ryker shared the importance of community service and his experience working toward his Eagle Scout rank, while Eden reflected on her experience attending Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp this past summer. We’re proud to celebrate these outstanding Trojans!

Middle school artists put their creativity and imagination to work in this year’s Lions International Peace Poster Contest, exploring the theme “Harmony for Humanity.” Through their artwork, students shared unique perspectives on what peace, unity, and understanding can look like in our world. Congratulations to this year’s top artists: Sadie Thompson, who earned first place; Addie King, who earned second place; and Paula Sarga and Gemma Bauza, who tied for third place.

High School Introduction to Foods students are gaining more than the skills needed to prepare meals at home. Taught by Sonya Rodriquez and Jill Feltenberger, the classes also introduce students to food safety and sanitation practices used in commercial kitchens. Recently, 92 students passed the ServSafe Food Handler Exam, earning a nationally recognized certification that can give them a valuable advantage as they pursue future employment opportunities in restaurants, food service, and hospitality. We couldn't fit all 92 students in one photo, but we're celebrating every single one of them. Congratulations!

Thirteen York Suburban High School students proudly represented the District at the York County Choral Festival in October, joining talented student musicians from across the county for this special celebration of music. We’re proud of these Trojans for sharing their voices, showcasing their talents, and representing York Suburban so well! Pictured from front to back: Lucy Thompson and Sarah Dol; Sara Youcheff, Samara Dalton, and Maya Rolle; Olivia Black, Phoebe Santoro, Natalie King, and Elise Walters; and Diego Rosario-Montenez, Aaron West, Laurene Mungai, and Ethan Wolfgang.

The York Suburban Marching Band earned special recognition at the recent Cavalcade of Bands Competition, bringing home the Powell Award for Musical Excellence in Division A! The award is presented to the band earning the highest music score among all Division A bands competing that evening, making this a wonderful accomplishment for our student musicians. Congratulations to our marching band members, directors, and everyone who helps make this program "bloom."

Congratulations to York Suburban Girls Basketball Head Coach Jess Weaver on being named the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania Girls Basketball Coach of the Year! This prestigious honor recognizes Coach Weaver’s leadership and commitment to the program, as well as the hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork that make success possible. Coach Weaver now advances to the sectional and national levels for consideration. Join us in celebrating Coach Weaver and the entire Girls Basketball program on this well-deserved recognition!

Again this year, we've partnered with the York County Food Bank and YSEF’s Impact Foundation to provide food and other essential items to make the holidays special. We’re incredibly grateful to both organizations for their generous support and partnership.

The York County Food Bank is accepting applications from York Suburban families for its Give-A-Meal program. Qualifying families will receive a boxed meal with shelf-stable food items and a gift card. Use this link to apply for the Give-A-Meal Program.

The York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF)’s Impact Foundation invites York Suburban families in need to attend its Holiday Event. Winter outerwear, canned goods, and holiday gifts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, high school Impact students will be making crafts and serving cocoa and cookies. Registration is required. Use this link to register to attend the Holiday Event.

The deadline to apply or register for these events is Friday, November 20. Both events will take place on Wednesday, December 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Valley View Elementary School. More details will be provided to registered families in early December.

The first phase of York Suburban High School’s renovation project began October 19, marking an exciting step toward transforming the campus for future generations of Trojans. This phase focuses on expanding parking areas, with work expected to continue through December. During construction, the grassy area and parking spaces in front of the building will remain closed, and visitors will need to use alternate entrances. Those attending events in the auditorium or gymnasium should park behind the building or in the science wing parking lot and enter through the rear lobby. Community members walking around campus should also be aware of increased traffic near the rear entrance and avoid fenced-off construction areas.

Residents who have not already done so are encouraged to sign up for High School construction updates. These updates are intended to help neighbors plan ahead and provide a direct way to share questions or concerns with the District. Past updates and a timeline of upcoming campus projects are available on the YSHS Renovation Project page. District families and staff do not need to sign up, as they are already enrolled to receive District communications.

Whitsons Culinary Group, the District’s food service provider, wants to hear what you think about school meals! Families, students, and staff are invited to share feedback through their survey.Your input will help Whitsons understand what's working well and identify opportunities for improvement. The survey is open through November 6.

Planning Meeting - Monday, November 9, 7 p.m.

Regular Meeting - Monday, November 23, 7 p.m.

Meetings are held in the Board Room at the Education Center and are open to the public.

Related Links

Information about the Board

In Person and Electronic Public Comment Guidelines

Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting

Board Minutes - posted after Board approval

Board Meeting Schedule - 2026-2027 Meeting Dates and Times

• 2026-2027 School Year Calendar of Events - In addition to the online calendar, the adopted calendar at a glance is available as a PDF in English and Spanish.
• 2026-2027 Student and Family Handbook - This year, we've combined our elementary, middle, and high school handbooks into one convenient resource, making it easier for families (especially those with children in more than one school) to access important information in one place.
• Students & Families Portal - Be sure to bookmark this page for quick access to cycle days, absence forms, handbooks, technology support, classroom resources, and more.
• Annual Notices - School districts must provide several annual notices to families under federal and state laws and regulations. These annual notices are available in our handbooks and board policies, but can easily be referenced on the website.
• Community Bulletin Board - Approved flyers from local organizations and youth programs.
• Employment Opportunities - We have a variety of open positions that are perfect for individuals interested in working a schedule similar to our students'.
• Renovation & Construction - Updates on our efforts to construct a new intermediate school, renovate the high school, and address capital projects district-wide.
• Use of Student Photos & Interviews - Information about photo and video permissions and how to submit an opt-out request for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Volunteer Information - As a school district, we greatly appreciate our volunteers. If you are interested in donating your time to support our students and staff, please submit a volunteer application along with the required clearances.