YSSD January 2026 Newsletter
Message from the Superintendent
One of the highlights of the holiday season was seeing our students’ creativity on full display across the District. From festive concerts presented by our music department to meaningful acts of service and charitable giving, our students found many ways to share their talents and make a positive impact in our community. That same spirit of creativity was also reflected in our District holiday card.
This year’s card, shared with organizations and businesses across York County, featured a painting by seventh grade student Ashlyn Zhang. Her artwork is a wonderful example of the important role our art program plays in Inspiring a BOLD Future. Through creative experiences like this, students learn to think differently, communicate visually, and approach challenges with imagination and confidence. These are key competencies of our Portrait of a Graduate and essential skills that will serve our students well, no matter the path they choose.
As we turn the page to a new year, I wish our students, staff, families, and community a healthy and happy 2026. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and for celebrating the talents that make York Suburban such a special place.
Sincerely,
Scott Krauser, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
January Celebrations and Observances
All Month - School Director Recognition Month
January 7 - Trojan Spirit Day
January 9 - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 27 - Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 30 - 100th Day of School
Important Dates
For a complete list of events, please refer to the District's online calendar.
Welcome Back: Students Return from Holiday Recess
Monday, January 5
High School: End of Semester
Friday, January 9
Middle School: Last Day of the Second Marking Period
Monday, January 12
Early Dismissal: Teacher Directed Day (p.m.)
Friday, January 16
12:10 p.m. - Middle and High School Dismissal
12:45 p.m. - Elementary Dismissal
No School: District Offices Closed
Monday, January 19
Upcoming Events
Winter Art & Technology Portfolio Showcase
Thursday, January 8, 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., York Suburban High School Art Wing
This exhibit celebrates our students' artistic talents and features photos, drawings, paintings, ceramics, woodworking, and more! The public is invited to view the display from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please use the main office entrance during school hours and entrance 13, closest to the art wing, from 3-7 p.m. Be sure to bring your ID if visiting during the school day. We hope to see you there!
Multicultural Festival
Let's celebrate our amazing, diverse community!
Organized by the High School Model-UN
Thursday, April 16, 6-7:30 p.m., York Suburban High School
Whether you’d like to share traditional food, showcase cultural items, or perform, this is your chance to be part of a vibrant celebration of community and culture. We’re currently looking for volunteers to host a table at this year’s event. Use the Multicultural Festival Volunteer Form to sign up for a table.
Points of Pride
Having an Impact
We started the month of December with a powerful reminder of what makes our York Suburban community so special. With the help of student volunteers from the York Suburban Education Foundation’s Impact Foundation, children ate cookies and made crafts, while their families chose from a variety of clothing, books, toys, and gifts generously donated by our school community. In addition to the Impact Foundation, our thanks to Luther Memorial Church for opening its doors to host the event and to the York County Food Bank for donating holiday meals. Working together, we made the holidays extra special for approximately 120 York Suburban families.
Poetry Out Loud Winners
York Suburban High School celebrated its 20th school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition in December. Congrats to all 20 student participants and a special shoutout to our winners, sophomore Ismene Belajac and senior Reece Busse, who will advance to regionals in February!
Taking Center Stage
Several talented York Suburban students took part in Greater York Youth Ballet’s holiday production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 13. York Suburban Middle School student Estella Hamilton (pictured) was featured in the lead dancing role of Clara, a dream role in this timeless holiday favorite. We were also excited to see Lily Bathurst and Samara Mercado (Middle School), Jeremy Sharrar and Julia Hamilton (East York), and Naomi Sharrar (Yorkshire) take the stage and bring this holiday classic to life. Congratulations to each of our students on their roles.
New State-Mandated Safety Notifications
On January 2, families and staff will receive an important email from Dr. Krauser outlining changes to school notification procedures related to weapon-related incidents, as required under Act 44 of 2025. The new state mandate broadens the situations that require notification, which may result in an increase in the number of messages sent to families. Dr. Krauser’s message, which will also be posted on the Safety and Security Department webpage, will explain what to expect when these changes take effect on January 5.
Kindergarten Registration Opening in February
Do you have a student ready to start kindergarten in August 2026? York Suburban will be accepting registrations for incoming kindergarten students starting Monday, February 2. While you wait for registration to open, you can begin gathering the needed paperwork. You will be asked to upload these documents with your student's online application.
- Proof of Residency
- Parent/Guardian's Photo ID
- Student's Immunization Records
- Student's Birth Certificate
- Guardianship or Custody Paperwork (if applicable)
Building for a BOLD Future
High School Renovation
Our High School Renovation project is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2026. We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this renovation will create for our students, staff, and community. At the same time, we recognize that construction will impact traffic patterns and access points around the school. We will continue to provide updates as work begins and, as it is finalized, share information about traffic patterns, parking, and access to help everyone plan accordingly.
York Suburban Intermediate School
In December, the Springettsbury Township Board of Supervisors denied the District’s land development plan for the York Suburban Intermediate School project. After careful legal consideration, on December 22, the Board of School Directors authorized the District to proceed with a land use appeal. While we remain committed to working with Township leaders, the appeal process may take time. As a result, the District will not be able to move forward with the project on its original timeline.
School Board News
January is designated as School Director Recognition Month by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Please join us in recognizing all our Board of School Directors for their volunteer service to our District.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Meetings are held in the High School Cafeteria and are open to the public.
Planning - Monday, January 12, 7 p.m.
Regular - Monday, January 26, 7 p.m.
Related Links
In Person and Electronic Public Comment Guidelines
Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting
Board Minutes - posted after Board approval
Board Meeting Calendar - 2026-2027 Meeting Dates and Times
Winter Weather is Here!
The weather is definitely keeping us on our toes this year! So far this school year, we’ve had a few two-hour delays and a snow day, but we haven't yet used a remote learning day. To help with planning for a virtual day, we encourage you to take a moment to review the information on our School Closing, Delay, and Early Dismissal Information webpage. This page outlines what to expect and how the school day will look if winter weather prevents in-person learning.
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 is available 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.