Blue & White Newsletter - 5/23/25

On Monday, May 26, 2025, communities across the nation will observe Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This important day of reflection reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who fought to protect our freedoms.

Memorial Day is often marked by parades, flag ceremonies, and moments of silence. Many families also visit cemeteries or memorials to pay their respects. While it is also considered the unofficial start of summer, it's important to take a moment to remember the true meaning behind the holiday.

As a school community, we pause to reflect on the bravery of those who served and to express our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Let us carry their legacy forward with respect, kindness, and a commitment to serve others.

On Wednesday, cadets from our Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at the High School, under the leadership of Master Gunnery Sergeant Jesus Lizano, honored fallen veterans by placing American flags at their gravesites in Greenmount Cemetery located on Carlisle Avenue.

This solemn tradition is part of the NJROTC's commitment to instilling values of respect, patriotism, and community service in its cadets. By participating in such activities, these young individuals not only pay tribute to those who served but also deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made for their country.

Greenmount Cemetery, established in 1898, serves as the final resting place for many of York's veterans. The cadets' efforts ensure that the memories of these service members are honored and preserved for future generations.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Lizano emphasized the importance of such acts, stating that they teach cadets the value of honoring the past while preparing them to lead with integrity in the future. Through their dedication, the NJROTC cadets exemplify the spirit of service and remembrance, reinforcing the community's commitment to never forget those who have served.

The 2024-2025 concert season continued last week with the MS/HS Pops Concert. This year's Pops Concert included 6th through 12th grade students and provided jazz-themed musical selections featuring the Middle School Choirs and Motion ensembles and the High School Choir and Legacy ensembles. All of the secondary vocal ensembles are directed by Mr. Robert Titus.

Some of the selections included:

• New York, New York (7th & 8th Grade Choir)
• Blue Skies (6th Grade Choir)
• What A Wonderful World (Motion)
• Summertime (High School Choir)
• A Change is Gonna Come (Legacy)

The following awards were also presented: Outstanding Freshman - Kera King, Outstanding Sophomore - Lucas Rishel, Outstanding Junior - Cody Kohler, Outstanding Senior - Meghan Clauser, Director's Award - Cariliann Matias-Torres, and the National School Choral Award - Caroline Pritts.

When first graders walked into the media center at Wallace Elementary, they were surprised to find that the room had transformed into a “Book Bakery” by Media Specialist, Ms. Heidi Wolf.

Students got to “sample” books from four different genres - realistic fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, and biographies. They then drew pictures of favorite parts of the books on paper cupcakes. What a fun way to review the different book genres!

Ms. Kirsty Houck’s Biomedical Club at the High School shared their incredible knowledge and passion for science with Ms. Amanda Burt’s LSS class throughout the school year. Together, students explored topics such as micropipetting, cells, the human skeleton, germs, and bacteria through engaging, hands-on activities. A big thank-you to the Biomedical Club for inspiring young scientists and making learning so exciting!

Students who completed their April Reading Calendars at Wallace Elementary were treated to a special reading reward on Monday! To celebrate their dedication, they enjoyed a summer-themed story while snacking on refreshing ice pops. After the story, the fun continued with bubbles and sidewalk chalk — the perfect way to welcome warmer weather and celebrate a love of reading.

Keep up the great work, readers! Summer Reading Calendars will be coming home soon, so start planning your summer reading adventure!

Students from Mr. Glenn Medice and Ms. Megan Eckbold's classes at Trimmer Elementary harvested their lettuce and enjoyed some salad this week. Students were able to bring in their favorite veggies or salad toppers to share with the class.

But there's plenty more lettuce and other vegetables to be harvested this summer. Please consider signing up for a day to water the garden and take some of the produce home. Besides fresh lettuce, there are peppers, beans, tomatoes, parsley, cabbage, cucumbers, and red beets.

Click the bulldog above to sign up for a time to water, or you could even join a group to help out with weeding. Ms. Eckbold will be there most Wednesdays from 8-10 with donuts for anyone willing to help!

The High School Lighthouse Team met last week with their Leader in Me Coach, Kim Marucci, to review the recent MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) survey data and set goals and action plans for next school year. The students determined celebrations for the year and changes they'd like to implement for next year. An important role of the Lighthouse Team is working together with the 9th grade homeroom teachers to support the transition of the Class of 2029 to high school. The Team is also planning events and activities to increase community involvement and leadership opportunities for our students.

Pictured: Faculty Lighthouse Team Members: Mr. Michael Paterno, Ms. Kaitlin Mock, Ms. Ashley Walton, Ms. Katie Lalic, and Ms. Stephanie Leonard.

Student Members: Quinton Rhone, Michael Munufie, Angelina Pagan-Romero, Chrisoula Stantzos, Addalyn Swartz, Emma Witter, Jannah Bailey, Sergio Blanc Doblas, Madison Rhone, Lily Wilson, Marelen Guzman Garcia, Yaidelys Cintron, Sariya Ausby, Violeta Luna, and Danielle Salinas. (Not pictured: Matthew Miller, Isabella Harris, Estha Blanc Doblas, and Audriana Reinoso.)

Third graders from Lincolnway Elementary participated in the Envirothon competition at John Rudy Park last week. The LWY Flight Force and LWY Silent Soarers teams spent the day competing against other teams in York county to show what they had learned this year about PA forestry, aquatics, and wildlife. It was a fun day for everyone! Members of the team are pictured below.

Ja'Niya Maddox, Braxtyn Sauble, Agam Kainth, Zaynab Bhuiyan, Brayden Brannon, Aubrianna Pickens, Bexley Stover, Theodore McQuerry, Negan Fuller, and Jameson Courchene.

Students in Ms. Tristan Philbrook’s class at Trimmer Elementary created a model school and programmed Ozobots to navigate through it using color codes.

They designed classrooms, hallways, and other parts of the school, then used special color patterns to guide the Ozobots through each area. This fun and interactive project helped students practice coding, problem-solving, and collaboration while learning how robots can be programmed to follow specific paths.

The Bulldog Pantry had an incredible year supporting students and families in the West York Area School District. Thanks to the generous donations from our school and community, we were able to distribute a wide range of perishable, non-perishable, and household items to those in need.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing pantry volunteers—your dedication makes all the difference!

Special recognition goes to Ms. Amanda Burt and her Life Skills Support students, who manage the Bulldog Pantry by sorting donations and preparing bags for distribution nights.

Want to help? We’re currently collecting brown paper grocery bags and reusable canvas bags for the upcoming school year. Please consider saving and donating them to the Bulldog Pantry when school resumes in August!

Kindergarten students from Ms. Taylor Schlemmer’s class had a special opportunity to visit Ms. Tracy Overlander's first grade classroom for a fun and informative experience. The visit was designed to help the kindergartners get a firsthand look at what first grade is all about.

To start, Ms. Overlander read a story aloud, capturing everyone's attention and setting a warm, welcoming tone. Afterward, the kindergartners had a chance to ask the first graders questions about their daily routines, favorite activities, and what they’ve learned throughout the year. The first graders proudly shared their insights, offering helpful advice and excitement for what’s to come.

To wrap up the visit, the students partnered up to create a collaborative “How-To” drawing. This hands-on activity allowed the kindergartners and first graders to work together creatively while practicing listening and following directions. The visit was not only educational—it was also a great way to build connections between students and ease the transition into first grade!

We are thrilled to share that senior Abigail Munufie has been accepted into the prestigious United States Air Force Academy in Colorado! In addition to her academic achievement, Abigail has been recruited to compete on the Academy’s Division I Women’s Gymnastics team. Upon graduation, she will go on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. This incredible accomplishment is a testament to Abigail’s dedication, talent, and leadership.

Congratulations, Abigail! Pictured with her is her high school counselor, Ms. Kaitlin Mock.

Launched in 2016, Remake Learning Days is a celebration of learning! We hosted our own Remake Learning Day at the Middle School on Monday evening. These events are designed to be hands-on, relevant and engaging educational experiences for youth of all ages and their families. Children become more interested in the learning process when a caring adult is learning with them, so these events are designed for a parent/caregiver to learn alongside their child(ren) and to wonder and explore together.

Our event featured a variety of interactive activity stations, including: Cubelets, Algorithm-Based Drawing, 3D Basketball Puzzles, Ozobots, Origami Jumping Frogs, Pixie Art & Block Coding, Code & Go Mouse, K'Nex, and a Human Coding Grid.

It was an exciting night full of exploration, creativity, and shared discovery!

On Monday night, attendees of the Wildlife Night event at the High School, hosted by the York Audubon Society, had the opportunity to learn extensively about native Pennsylvania wildlife. Patrick Miller, of Miller’s Wildlife and Conservation Specialists, introduced the audience to several of his animal "friends," including an American toad, a black rat snake, a box turtle, a red-tailed hawk, and an owl.

Mr. Miller shared fascinating details about each animal, covering their habitats and highlighting unique facts and features that captivated the audience.

Thank you to Mr. David Arrow, Chemistry teacher and President of the York Audubon Society, Mrs. Tish Swan, York Audubon Society Program Director, senior Kaitlynn Walizer, and the Envinothon Club for bringing this opportunity to the Bulldog community.

The last issue of the Blue & White Newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year will be Friday, June 6th. Be sure to Like our social media pages to stay abreast of any summer activities/happenings.

Simply click the images below - you don't want to experience FOMO - Fear of Missing Out!

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!

Didn’t order a yearbook? Good news—16 extra copies will be available for purchase next week!

If you're interested, please contact Ms. Dana Kiefer. First come, first served!

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this moment. As you step into the next chapter, carry your dreams boldly and your Bulldog memories proudly. The future is yours - go make it incredible!

For those unable to attend the graduation in person, scan the QR Code below or click on the image for the livestream link. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29th.

Graduation day is fast approaching! On Tuesday, May 27th, seniors will bring their caps, gowns, and tassels with them for the class and individual pictures. Orders need to be placed online prior to May 27th. Full details, including how to purchase after May 27th, can be found on the linked order forms below.

If you have any questions, please contact the High School Office.

The Class of 2026 is holding a Commencement Bouquets fundraiser for the 2025 graduation! This is a great opportunity to have a beautiful bouquet of roses conveniently ready for you just outside the commencement ceremony entrance! If you would like to pre-purchase a bouquet, please scan the QR Code below or click the picture to be directed to the vendor website.

The deadline for pre-orders is Wednesday, May 28th.

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!

While the Bulldog Branch is closing for the summer on Wednesday, May 14th, you can still earn stamps over the summer at any First Capital branch!

Award Winners - 5/23/25

9th - 10th Grades

Adam Deardorff

For being a great HR student!

11th - 12th Grades

Stella Friedah

For coming in to work on the District video on your days off!

Faculty & Staff

Ms. Katie Lalic

For doing a great job your first year as a STUCO (Student Council) Advisor!!

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!

Calling all 1st - 8th grade boys and girls! Be sure to check out the West York Youth Soccer Camp scheduled for July 7th - 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM each night at West York Area Middle School. The flyer is also available on the Community page of the District website.

Click the image below to complete the Registration Form.

MAY 2025

• 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

JUNE 2025

• Monday, June 2, Snow Make Up Day - Faculty and Staff Only
• Friday, June 6, Marking Period 4 Report Cards Available In Sapphire
• Tuesday, June 3, Facilities Committee Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, June 3, Ad Hoc Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Tuesday, June 10, Co-Curricular Committee Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, June 10, Work Session of the Board (7:00 PM)
• Friday, June 13, District is Closed
• Tuesday, June 17, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Friday, June 20, District Closed
• Friday, June 27, District Closed

JULY 2025

• District is closed each Friday in July
• There are no Board Meetings currently scheduled for the month of July

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!

Important information from the West York Athletics Department.

OSS Sports Physicals - Open to all athletes entering Grades 7-12 for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Thursday, July 24, 2025
• WY High School @ 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• No appointment needed
• $15 Cash or check

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Brandon Fuhrman, Athletic Director, via email at bcfuhrman@wyasd.org.

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.