YSSD December 2025 Newsletter
Message from the Superintendent
At York Suburban, inspiring a BOLD future doesn’t just happen inside the classroom walls. Across the District, we’re creating minds-on and hands-on experiences that help students discover what they’re passionate about, explore possible paths for their future, and practice the competencies highlighted in our Portrait of a Graduate.
One of the newest ways we’re doing this is through a “Lunch & Learn” series at the high school, arranged by our Career, College, & Workforce Coordinator, Korbin Shearer. Students can bring their lunch to the Career Center to hear guests discuss their careers, the education that got them there, and what their day-to-day work is really like.
These relaxed, student-focused conversations give our learners a chance to imagine themselves in different careers and think about what they might want to pursue. In December, students will hear from Chief Damon of the York County Regional Police Department, who will share insights into careers in criminal justice, and from staff at Mason Dixon Animal Hospital, who will talk about opportunities in the veterinary sciences. We’re incredibly grateful to these partners and the many others who support our students throughout the year. If your business or organization would like to get involved, I encourage you to reach out to Mr. Shearer at kshearer@yssd.org.
Lastly, as we near the end of the calendar year, I want to wish our students, staff, families, and community a joyful holiday season, celebrating with family and friends. I appreciate your continued support and look forward to a New Year filled with exciting BOLD opportunities.
Sincerely,
Scott Krauser, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
December Celebrations and Observances
December 2 - Special Education Day
December 3 - Trojan Spirit Day
December 5 - International Volunteer Day
December 8-14 - Computer Science Education Week
Important Dates
For a complete list of events, please refer to the District's online calendar.
No School: District Offices Closed
Monday, December 1
Early Dismissal
Tuesday, December 23
12:10 p.m. - Middle and High School Dismissal
12:45 p.m. - Elementary Dismissal
No School: District Offices Closed
Wednesday, December 24 - Thursday, January 1
No School: Professional Development/Summer Trade Day
Friday, January 2
Upcoming Holiday Concerts
The public is invited to join us at the following concerts to hear our talented students perform!
Middle School Chorus Concert
Wednesday, December 10, 7 p.m., York Suburban Middle School
Elementary Fifth Grade Combined Concert
Featuring students from East York and Indian Rock Elementary Schools
Thursday, December 11, 7 p.m., York Suburban High School
High School Concert
Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m., York Suburban High School
Middle School Orchestra and Band Concert
Wednesday, December 17, 7 p.m., York Suburban Middle School
Planning Ahead for Winter Weather
Winter weather is on the horizon! We understand that changes to the regular schedule can be stressful for families. To assist in your planning, we have information on our website about our procedures when a switch to remote learning, a delay, or the need to dismiss students early occurs. Please visit our School Closing, Delay, and Early Dismissal Information webpage to review this information. Additionally, if you have not already done so, please update your contact information in Infinite Campus to ensure we have an accurate phone number and email addresses for your family. For step-by-step directions, click here.
Staff members will receive additional information via email about their options and expectations when a change in our regular schedule occurs.
Points of Pride
PMEA District 7 Choral Festival
We are excited to announce that two York Suburban High School Choir students have qualified for the PMEA District 7 Choral Festival! Junior, Ethan Wolfgang and Senior, Ruthie Brown, will join some of the top high school vocalists from across central Pennsylvania in January for a multi-day event focused on advanced choral performance. This is a HUGE accomplishment for our students. Congratulations Ethan and Ruthie!
Alumni Shout Out
As shared by The York Dispatch, on Monday, December 8, cellist Lydia Paulos will be playing at the Strand Theatre as part of the national touring company of the Broadway musical Hadestown.
This sold-out performance is the first time Lydia, a 2014 York Suburban High School graduate, has been back to York County to play as a professional musician and we are very excited to hear her perform.
York Suburban Mini-THON Parents’ Night Out
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4-8 p.m.
Valley View Elementary School
Open to children grades K-5
$20 for first child +$15 for each additional child
Register at https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/yshsminithonparentsnightout
Includes dinner (pizza), crafts for all holidays (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, etc), games, and a visit from the Grinch and Santa! Limited to 50 spots. Proceeds benefit the York Suburban Mini-THON. Please email YSMiniThon@yssd.org with questions.
Updates from Food Services
Whitsons has some special events planned for December~
High School
Monday, December 22 - Golden Chipotle Chicken Bar
Starting Monday, December 8 - A la Carte Soup of the Week
Middle School
Wednesday, December 3 - Tater Thrown Down Featuring a Baked Potato Bar
Elementary Schools
Starting Tuesday, December 2 - Two Hot Meal Options will be Available Daily
Related Links
Elementary Birthday Celebration and Classroom Snacks Order Form - Grades K-5
Nurse’s Corner
Mobile School Dentist Program
The Family First Health Mobile Dental Team will be visiting York Suburban schools to provide dental care to our students. They will bill your insurance if you have it. If not, they may be able to help you find coverage. Enrolled students will get the following care, as needed: dental exams, X-
rays, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, protective sealants, and oral health education.
If you are interested in having one of the dentists from Family First Health see your student, please complete the digital enrollment form as soon as possible. Dentists will be at the High School December 12 and April 17, Middle School on December 5 and April 10, East York on February 20, Indian Rock on February 27, Vally View on February 18, and Yorkshire on March 3.
Health Record Reminders
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS are required for children upon original entry into school, in sixth grade, their junior year of high school, and for any child who does not have documentation of a physical exam from their previous school. The exams must have been completed after July 1 of the previous year. Sports physicals, as well as copies of driver’s licenses, will be accepted.
DENTAL SCREENINGS are required within one year of entry to kindergarten, third grade, and seventh grade. If your child does not have a dentist, please consider registering them for the mobile school dentist program above.
DOCUMENTATION should be returned to the school nurse and may be scanned and emailed if that is more convenient. Please feel free to contact your student's school nurse if you have any questions or concerns. Contact information can be found on the District website on the Health Services Department page.
RELATED FORMS
Parent Survey: We Want to Hear from You
Does your child have an IEP?
York Suburban is interested in learning more about your family’s educational experience. To access a brief, 25 question survey, visit: www.leaderservices.com/_parentsurvey. The deadline to participate is Thursday, January 1, 2026.The survey is anonymous, and we ask families to complete it once for each child.
Holiday Help for Our Families
We know that the holiday season can be a stressful time, especially financially. If your family needs additional assistance or would like to make a donation to help another family, please contact your student’s social worker: Brienna Derr, High School and Middle School Social Worker, bderr@yssd.org; or Tera Hanson, Elementary School Social Worker, thanson@yssd.org. YSEF’s Impact Foundation also provides year-round food and clothing assistance to York Suburban families in need. Visit their website at https://www.ysef.org for more information.
School Board News
On November 24, the District recognized three outgoing Board members for their dedicated service: Ellen Freireich, whose remarkable 28 years of commitment have supported generations of York Suburban staff, students, and families; James Sanders, who has served for eight years; and Dr. Steven Sullivan, who has served for six years. It is important to note that Board members are volunteers who devote countless hours to meetings and to engaging with our school community. On behalf of the Board and the entire District, thank you.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings are held in the High School Cafeteria and are open to the public. Our incoming Board Members will be sworn in during the Reorganization Meeting.
COMMITTEE MEETING
Nominations Committee - Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Reorganization/Planning - Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m.
Regular - Monday, December 22, 7 p.m.
Related Links
Information about the Board - includes contact information
In Person and Electronic Public Comment Guidelines
Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting
Board Minutes - posted after Board approval
Board Meeting Calendar - 2025 Meeting Dates and Times
Volunteer Opportunity
York Suburban High School Career and College Day
York Suburban High School will host a Career and College Day on Thursday, March 12, 2026. While planning is still underway, we are seeking volunteers to help make this event a success by supporting in one or more of the following ways:
- Classroom Presentations: Lead one or more 20–25 minute sessions highlighting your career path, organization, skill demonstrations, or other topics that help students explore career opportunities.
- Exhibitor Booths: Host a table in the gymnasium to share information and engage with interested students.
- Panel Participation: Join a panel of Human Resources professionals to discuss workplace expectations and career readiness.
If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief form. Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your time and expertise with our students.
Quick Links
- 2025-2026 School Year Calendar - The adopted calendar can be found on the District website in English and Spanish.
- Annual Notices - School Districts are required by federal and state laws and regulations to provide several annual notices to parents and guardians. These required notices are available in our handbooks and board policies, and can also be easily referenced on the Annual Notices page of our website.
- Community Flyers - The District posts approved flyers on our website. Be sure to bookmark this page for information about upcoming athletic camps and family activities.
- Contact Us - Link to Building Directories and District Administration Contact Information
- Employment Opportunities - We have a variety of open positions that are perfect for individuals interested in working a schedule similar to that of our students.
- First Day of School Video for 2025-2026 - Thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us.
- Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Information - Families who may qualify are encouraged to apply for free or low-cost meals this school year.
- Important Information for Families & Students - In addition to the building-level handbooks, this document provides helpful information for all families. It will be particularly valuable for families new to the District.
- Renovation and Construction Updates - A summary of our efforts to date regarding plans to construct a new intermediate school, renovate the high school, and address district-wide capital projects can be found on our website.