Blue & White Newsletter - 8/28/2026

This week, families filled the halls of Wallace, Lincolnway, and Trimmer Elementary Schools, as well as West York Area Middle School for our Back to School Night events.

These special evenings gave families a chance to spend time in their students’ schools, meet teachers, visit classrooms, and get a better feel for the year ahead. They also offered a great opportunity to learn more about school resources and ways to stay connected throughout the year.

For many students, it was just as exciting to welcome their families into their school and share a little more about where they spend their days.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week. We loved seeing our schools filled with families, conversation, and Bulldog spirit!

The undefeated 1967 Bulldogs football team will make West York history on Friday, August 28, as the first team inducted into the West York Football Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m., prior to the pre-game band show and the Bulldogs’ first home game of the 2026 season against Susquehanna Township. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Reserved seating will be available for Hall of Fame inductees and their families. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and help us celebrate this special chapter in West York football history before cheering on today’s Bulldogs!

Congratulations to Ms. Emily Rubalcaba, High School Social Studies Teacher, who was selected to participate in the 2026 Library of Congress Summer Teacher Institute in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Rubalcaba was one of just 90 educators chosen from nearly 200 applicants nationwide. During the three-day institute, participants worked with Library of Congress education specialists and subject-matter experts to explore effective ways to use primary sources in the classroom.

The experience gave Ms. Rubalcaba new strategies for incorporating historical documents and artifacts into her social studies courses, helping students strengthen critical-thinking skills and engage more deeply with history.

We are proud to have a West York educator represented in this national professional learning opportunity!

West York Area High School's NJROTC is starting the new school year with a growing group of cadets and plenty of opportunities ahead.

This summer, new cadets (pictured) took part in Boot Camp, where they were introduced to drill, teamwork, physical training, and leadership. Cadets have also completed their first Physical Fitness Test of the year and are preparing for a full schedule that includes community service, competitions, and leadership development.

We look forward to seeing all that our cadets accomplish this year!

The West York Area High School Girls Soccer Team made history yesterday as the first Bulldog team to take the field in the District’s new Mini Stadium!

Facing Carlisle in an afternoon scrimmage, the team helped mark an exciting moment for West York Athletics by playing the inaugural game in the new venue. As the first major piece of the District’s Athletic Fields Project to open for use, the mini stadium represents an exciting step forward for our student-athletes and community.

It was a memorable night, a milestone worth celebrating, and just the beginning of many great moments to come on the new turf!

Members of the West York Area High School Cross Country Team put their Bulldog spirit into action on Saturday, August 22, by volunteering at the 28th Annual Rail Trail 10-Miler.

Joined by Coach Chambers and Coach Titus, the team handed out water and cheered on runners as they raced along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. The 10-mile course stretches through southern York County, passes through the nation’s oldest operational train tunnel, and finishes in downtown York.

The event benefits The ARC of York and Adams Counties, giving our student-athletes a great opportunity to support both the running community and a local organization making a difference.

We’re proud of our Bulldogs for showing that teamwork and service go far beyond the course!

Families of our second and third grade students are invited to Fall in Love with Lincolnway on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Lincolnway Elementary School and playground.

Hosted by the Title One Program and PTO, this community event is a chance for all Lincolnway families to spend time together, get to know the school, and enjoy an evening of fun. Activities will include face painting, lawn games, a STEM activity, reading activities, a photo booth, free popcorn, and a book giveaway. Food trucks will also be available for purchases.

All Lincolnway families are welcome — we hope to see you there!

West York Area High School yearbooks are now available to order, and families can receive FREE personalization through September 18.

This year’s theme is “Forever a Bulldog,” celebrating the memories, friendships, and experiences that make the high school years special. Senior families can also purchase yearbook ads to recognize and celebrate their graduating student.

Yearbooks can be ordered through the Jostens website: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1043306/West-York-Area-High-School/

The West York Area School District Board of School Directors has a vacancy, and we are seeking interested community members to serve!

If you are interested in making a difference in our schools and community through service on the School Board, we encourage you to apply.

To request an application package:
Please email Sheri Schlemmer, CFOO and Board Secretary, at slschlemmer@wyasd.org indicating your interest in the Board vacancy and requesting an application package. Applications must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the continued success of West York Area School District and help shape the future of our students and schools.

• Middle School — Tuesday, September 1
• Trimmer Elementary School — Wednesday, September 2
• Lincolnway Elementary School — Wednesday, September 9
• Wallace Elementary School — Wednesday, September 16

Family First Health’s Mobile Dental Team will visit several West York schools during the 2026-27 school year to provide dental care during the school day.

Students enrolled in the program may receive services such as dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral health education as needed. Families must complete a new enrollment form for each child every school year at least two weeks prior to the scheduled visit.

Enroll at this link or by clicking the image below: https://familyfirsthealth.jotform.com/251734387844063

Upcoming Fall Visits:

• Trimmer Elementary | October 26
• Lincolnway Elementary | November 2
• Middle School | November 9
• Wallace Elementary | November 16

SEPTEMBER 2026

• Tuesday, September 1 — Middle School Picture Day
• Wednesday, September 2 — Trimmer Picture Day
• Friday, September 4 — Professional Learning Day, No School for Students
• Monday, September 7 — Labor Day Holiday - District Closed
• Tuesday, September 8 | 5:00 p.m. — Educational Programming Committee (EPC) Meeting
• Tuesday, September 8 | 7:00 p.m. — Work Session of the Board
• Wednesday, September 9 — Lincolnway Picture Day
• Wednesday, September 9 | 6:00 p.m. — High School Back to School Night
• Tuesday, September 15 | 5:30 p.m. — Cocurricular Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, September 15 | 6:30 p.m. — Board Voting Meeting
• Wednesday, September 16 — Wallace Picture Day
• Wednesday, September 16 | 6:00 p.m. — Elementary PTO Meeting @ Wallace Elementary
• Friday, September 25 — Early Dismissal

The Bulldog Pantry, operated through Ms. Amanda Burt’s Life Skills Support class, will once again provide monthly food distributions for West York families with students in grades K–12. The first distribution is September 23, with additional dates scheduled through May.

A special thank-you to WYBC Football, whose players and families collected much-needed pantry items during their kickoff celebration, and to Phil Gross of Edward Jones for his annual summer donation that helps stock the pantry for the start of the school year.

Community donations remain an important part of keeping the pantry stocked with food and household essentials. Grocery store gift cards are also appreciated for the purchase of fresh and perishable foods.

Most needed items include: Boxed noodles and spaghetti sauce, Mac & cheese, Cereal and cereal bars, Canned ravioli, Paper products, Hygiene products

For more information, click the image above, go to the Pantry page wyasd.org/community/bulldog-pantry, or contact Ms. Amanda Burt at amburt@wyasd.org.

Want to learn more about The Foundation for the West York Area School District or ways to get involved? Click the button below to visit The Foundation page, where you can also find our Interest & Involvement Survey.

We’d love to hear from Bulldog families, alumni, staff, community members, and supporters!

As work continues on the District’s Athletic Fields Project, please use caution around all construction areas. Construction areas may change as work progresses. Thank you for helping us keep our campuses safe.

• Stay on designated walkways and paths
• Do not cross temporary fencing or barriers
• Avoid construction equipment and materials
• Watch for moving construction vehicles
• Follow all posted signage and staff directions

The Community Corner on our website is a helpful resource for families to explore information from local organizations about upcoming events, clubs, camps, programs, and other community opportunities.

Please make sure to look over the 2026–2027 District Calendar that you can access from our website by clicking the bar below.

Keep up with all things WYASD!

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