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YSSD December 2025 Newsletter

YSSD December 2025 Newsletter
YSSD December2025 Newsletter

Message from the Superintendent 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

November Bold Moments
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December Celebrations and Observances 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 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 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 Planning Ahead for Winter Weather

students walking in the snow
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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 Points of Pride

Ethan and Ruthie
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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!

Lydia Paulos
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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 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 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

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Elementary Birthday Celebration and Classroom Snacks Order Form - Grades K-5

Nurse’s Corner Nurse’s Corner

child at dentist
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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

Physical Examination Form

Dental Examination Form

Parent Survey: We Want to Hear from You 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 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 School Board News

ellen, james, and steven - thank you
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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 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 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.
Inspiring a BOLD Future!
Rhonda Fourhman, Director of Communications & Community Relations
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