Blue & White Newsletter - 2/28/25

As many of you know, this past Saturday, an unimaginable tragedy occurred at UPMC, where West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte lost his life in the line of duty. We are deeply saddened by this act of violence, and our hearts go out to Officer Duarte’s family, the West York Borough Police Department, all first responders involved, and the staff at UPMC.

The West York community has come together in an outpouring of support to honor Officer Duarte’s memory. Flowers have been laid at the Borough Police Department, thoughts and prayers have been shared, and fundraising efforts are underway to support the Duarte family.

In a heartfelt tribute, the West York Boys Basketball team visited the memorial site to pay their respects. The players wore special Officer Duarte t-shirts and shared them with others at the site, standing in solidarity with the community during this difficult time.

Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy. We are proud to see the strength and unity of the West York community as we honor Officer Duarte’s service and sacrifice.

A standing ovation for the talented cast and crew of the Middle School’s production of No Body to Murder! Over 200 guests enjoyed the humorous whodunnit, set in the Come On Inn during a severe storm - with a murder, an escaped convict, and plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing and laughing.

A huge thank you to play directors Ms. Nicolle Miller and Ms. Jennifer Bellman for their dedication, as well as all the behind-the-scenes helpers who brought the show to life. From the actors to the stage crew, everyone played a vital role in making the production a success!

And for those who missed it and are still wondering … whodunnit? Well - it was Dr. McCandlish!

Congratulations to all on a fantastic performance!

On Thursday, the High School Lighthouse Team welcomed students and faculty from three PA schools: Spring Grove Area High School, Waynesboro Area Senior High School, and Lower Dauphin High School for a Community Learning Day.

The event began with opening remarks by Ms. Kris Marino, Assistant Principal, Ms. Carrie Jones, Principal, and Ms. Kim Marucci, Leader in Me Consultant and Coach. Next, our West York High School Lighthouse Team (advisors Mr. Michael Paterno, Ms. Kaitlyn Mock, and Ms. Ashley Walton) spoke about the Leader in Me and Lighthouse Team experience here at WY. The Lighthouse Team meets as a club weekly during Lunch and Learn. They focus on supporting our freshmen, improving school spirit, and making our school more welcoming. (HS Lighthouse Team students: Estha Blanc Doblas, Matthew Miller, Michael Munufie, Angelina Pagan-Romero, Audriana Reinoso, Quinton Rhone, Chrisoula Stantzos, Addalyn Swartz, Emma Witter, Madison Rhone, Isabella Harris, and Lily Wilson.)

The day continued with two break out sessions where students and faculty discussed successes and challenges experienced as Leader in Me schools. Everyone participated by sharing ideas to help grow our Leader in Me programs and Lighthouse Teams.

Attendees also enjoyed a tour of the High School and a delicious lunch prepared by the West York FACS classes.

Waynesboro Area Senior High School was so thoughtful and had collected funds from faculty and students on Wednesday to contribute to our efforts to honor Officer Andrew Duarte and the West York Borough Police Department. They donated over $240 to our cause! Other guests from Spring Grove High School and Lower Dauphin High School also contributed individually. Everyone wore red, white, and blue as well!

Throughout the class, students will gain an understanding of the theory and operation of small gas engines. Students will explore both 2 and 4 stroke engines, along with the power equipment they are used in. At the conclusion of the course, they will have a comprehensive understanding of all major systems and subsystems within the internal combustion engine that will include mechanical, electrical, lubricating, cooling, and starting.

In our February 14th issue of the Blue & White Newsletter, we shared with you that 11 of our high school students were finalists in the YCASE Art Exhibition. Students submitted drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photography. The Finalist Exhibition Preview & Awards Ceremony was held Thursday night. Student finalists, their friends and family, and other special guests celebrated the accomplishments of these talented young artists.

Being selected as a finalist is a significant accomplishment. Congratulations to all of our finalists: Caleb Bowders, Abby Smith, Olivia Tran, Juliette Zech, Rose Shirley, Ava Soyke, Brianna Tabasko, Danika Glatfelter, Bella Newcomer, Kritigya Shrestha, and Nicholas Wurm.

Congratulations to Rose Shirley who won First Place in Digital Photography! Well done, Rose!

Several of our students' entries are shown below, including Rose's winning photo.

Representatives from the York County Solid Waste Authority came to Trimmer Elementary to talk to Ms. Meredith Lutz, Mr. Gary Barshinger, Ms. Megan Eckbold, Mr. Glenn Medice, and Ms. Tonia Salloway's classes about composting. They donated three composting bins and worms for the classrooms to share. The students were able to use magnifying glasses to look at the worms' hair and other body parts. They also learned what foods worms eat and why they're so helpful to our garden.

Pictured below (top center) is Malaya Williams, Josefina Davido, and Skyler Thompson examining their new "class pets."

Ms. Emily Corcoran and Ms. Anna McMonigle’s APPs classes at the High School completed a virtual field trip last Friday with the JFK Presidential Museum and Library in Boston, MA! Our coordinator, Max Nosbich, led an invigorating and fascinating discussion on JFK’s presidency. Students were able to ask questions and analyze various primary sources. They had so much fun while learning a lot!

Did you know that Junior Achievement offers various programs covering kindergarten through high school? You've likely seen in prior Blue & White Newsletter issues requests for volunteers for the YES! 1/2 day program held at the Middle School and the REAL Life day-long program at the High School. Fifth grade students at Trimmer Elementary participate in JA BizTown. We recently shared how the students participate in interviews in preparation for their day at Junior Achievement's simulated town, BizTown. Soon, we will share pictures of this year's 5th graders running the BizTown city!

But Junior Achievement also provides curriculum to our K-4 grade classes and we welcome volunteers to come and assist with those in-classroom lessons. The Junior Achievement programs - K-12 - don't happen without the support of our amazing volunteers! We invite you to keep an eye out for requests for JA volunteers and consider joining us!

Josh Arroyo, 8th grade student at the Middle School, is talented in and out of the classroom. He recently starred in Puffs at DreamWrights. According to Explore York, "This is a witty, parody-filled adventure that follows a trio of unlikely friends as they navigate seven increasingly dangerous years at a certain wizarding school." His ELA teacher, Mr. Craig Eckbold, came to support him and was surprised with a shout out from the cast.

On Sunday, Feb 23rd, York Elite's Royal Blaze team competed at Chocolate Town Nationals. They won 1st place in their division, Best Dance specialty award, beat 13 teams for High Point Champion, and beat 24 teams for Grand Champion. Among the team is West York 4th grader, Violet Shue (3rd from left) and 2nd grader Channing Diaczun (3rd from right). Congratulations girls!

On the flyer below, you will see a QR code if you would like to donate to our event. You can scan the QR code or click on the flyer to donate. You can make a general donation to the event, or to a student's individual fundraising goal if they are signed up on Donor Drive. Our collective goal is $25,000. We hope to see the West York community come out and join us during the community time!

Spring will be here before we know it - HOPEFULLY! Actually, it will officially arrive on March 20th. In West York, that means concert time. So, check out the concert dates below and be sure to mark your calendars! Our students have been working hard and developing their musical talents. They are very excited to share their gifts with our community!

• Tuesday, March 4 - HS/MS Music in Our Schools Concert - High School Auditorium 7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Thursday, March 13 - MS/HS Choral Festival - Middle School Auditorium - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 9 - TRM Beginning Band & 4th Grade Chorus Concert - 6:30 - 8:00 PM
• Thursday, April 10 - TRM Concert Band & 5th Grade Chorus Concert - 6:30 - 8:00 PM
• Friday, April 25 - HS/MS Spring Jazz Concert - High School Auditorium - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Friday, May 9 - HS Band Spring Concert - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Thursday, May 15 - MS/HS Pops Concert - Middle School Auditorium - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 21 - MS Band Concert - Middle School Auditorium - 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Preschool Storytime is a great way to have your preschooler become familiar with Wallace Elementary ahead of joining us for kindergarten next year. Our last Preschool Storytime is:

• Thursday, March 13 - 10:00 - 10:30 AM - First Day Jitters

To register to attend, please click the image to the right.

For more information, call the Wallace Elementary School Office at 717-764-6869.

"The Addams Family - A New Musical Comedy" follows the kooky Addams family as their seemingly perfect, macabre world is shaken when Wednesday Addams falls in love with a "normal" boy and invites his parents over for dinner, forcing Gomez and Morticia to confront the idea of their daughter growing up and potentially abandoning their unique family values, leading to chaos and hilarious situations as the two families clash over their vastly different lifestyles.

It is sure to be another West York AWESOME production so be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Where: West York Area High School

When:

• Friday, February 28th @ 7:00 PM
• Saturday, March 1st @ 7:00 PM
• Sunday, March 2nd @ 2:00 PM

The Class of 2027 will be hosting a fundraiser at the musical. Stop by their table in the lobby and for $1.00 you can write a personal message to any member of the cast, crew, and musicians! Show them some love for all of their hours of work and rehearsals!

We need your help! On Thursday, March 13th, Junior Achievement of South Central PA will be at the High School with their STEM Summit Program. Students will be participating in the day-long event designed to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The goal of the STEM Summit is to inspire students to pursue an academic STEM focus in the remainder of their high school courses. After the completion of the STEM Summit, guidance counselors have a foundation to work with students on appropriate course work.

For this day to be a success, we will need volunteers to facilitate ONE of the STEM activities for the day as students rotate through your station. You do not need to have a STEM background to be a great volunteer!

You do not have to be an approved school volunteer to help with this day. Junior Achievement will provide online training as well as on-site support to all volunteers. A light breakfast and lunch will also be available for volunteers.

Please consider volunteering and join us as we spend the day empowering and inspiring our students. Check out the following information:

• Click the STEM Summit Overview for Volunteers green bar below to learn more about volunteering
• Click the Volunteering Video green bar to see a short video about volunteering
• Click the Volunteer Registration green bar to register yourself as a volunteer

You can reach out to Shannon Baker, Senior Vice President Program Operations, at sbaker@jascpa.org if you have any specific questions.

The Middle School is holding a MOD Pizza fundraiser! Check out the flyer below, or click here for a printable version.

When: Wednesday, March 5th

Where: MOD Pizza - 370 Town Center Dr., York, PA 17408

Use Code MODGIVES25 when ordering online.

The students of West York Area Middle School appreciate your support!

Join West York Cheer and WYBC Cheer for 6 fun nights of stunting, jumps, kicks, libs and more! The focus will be on form and technique of core cheer skills. These skills will help all levels, especially Midgets who will be trying out for West York in May! We will go from beginner skills to prep and beyond.

Cheer Shoes Required.

When: Tues/Thurs – March 11 to March 27

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Where: West York High Auxiliary Gym

Cost: $60

Grades: Kindergarten – 6th Grade

For more information, please contact:

Alexus Eaton - WYBC Cheer Commissioner at 717-543-1589 or via email at wybccheer0@gmail.com

or Coach Randy via email at reriley@wyasd.org

Register at: http://wybcbulldogs.org

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

9th/10th Grade:

Derrick Simpson

For keeping up the great work in math class!

11th/12th Grade:

Nichole Simpson

For helping in the Bulldog Pantry!

Faculty/Staff:

Ms. Anne Hunter

For taking our students to the Millersville Math Competition!

Attention Students! Do you want to get paid just for making deposits into your First Capital account? Introducing Bulldog Buck$! This is an exclusive program just for West York Area High School students. Stop into The Bulldog Branch of First Capital Federal Credit Union and pick up a Bulldog Buck$ stamp card. Once you make a deposit of $20.00 or more at the branch or at any First Capital branch, you will get one stamp. After you get 20 stamps on your card, bring in that card, and we’ll deposit $20.00 into your account!

Also, on days the Bulldog Branch is closed, you can still earn stamps on your Bulldog Bucks stamp card! Simply stop by one of First Capital's other branches—located in West York, East York, South York, or Manchester—make a deposit, and receive your stamp!

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!

• Friday, February 28, HS All-District Spring Musical (7:00 PM)

• Saturday, March 1, HS All-District Spring Musical (7:00 PM)
• Sunday, March 2, HS All-District Spring Musical (2:00 PM)
• Tuesday, March 4, Music in Our Schools Concert (HS Auditorium 7:00 PM)
• Friday, March 7, Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
• Tuesday, March 11, EPC Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, March 11, Work Session of the Board (7:00 PM)
• Thursday, March 13, MS/HS Choral Festival Concert (MS Auditorium 6:30 PM)
• Tuesday, March 18, Cocurricular Committee Meeting (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, March 18, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Friday, March 21, Early Dismissal Marking Period 3 Ends/HS Semester 2/Term 1 Ends
• Friday, March 28, Marking Period 3 Report Cards Available in Sapphire

Make-up days for the inclement weather closures are as follows:

• For Tuesday, January 7th - the make-up day is Monday, April 21st.
• For Thursday, February 6th - the make-up day will be in June for teachers only.

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.

We can't wait to start meeting our newest little Bulldogs!

Seniors, this is your chance to earn some extra funds for college! If you're looking for financial

support to help pay for your higher education this fall, we've got fantastic news! First Capital Federal Credit Union and the York Chapter of Credit Unions are offering scholarships this spring to help make your college dreams a reality.

This year, First Capital will award FOUR Dennis Flickinger Honorable Scholarships (2 - $2,000 and 2 - $1,000) to deserving high school seniors in York County!

The York Chapter of Credit Unions will also provide TWO $1,000 scholarships to deserving students! So, share this post with someone you think should apply!

Applications for both can be found at this link: https://linktr.ee/firstcapitalfcu

To be eligible for the scholarships, student applicants must:

• Be a member of First Capital Federal Credit Union with an account in good standing
• Be a graduating York County high school senior
• Plan to attend an institution of higher learning full-time (accredited two or four-year degree
• program)

This is a great opportunity for all high school seniors looking to get a head start on their college funding. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and make sure to apply before the deadlines! (First Capital: April 4, 2025; York Chapter of Credit Unions: March 7, 2025)

Does your child have signs or symptoms of the flu, Covid or RSV? Did they test positive?

The recommendations are that your child stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication and that they feel good enough to return to school. The CDC also recommends (it is optional) that a mask be worn for 5 days after their return if they tested positive for Covid.

Students who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid do not need to stay home from school unless they come down with symptoms or test positive.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your school nurse.

Using Your Computer to Report an Absence

MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence

From the District WEBSITE Attendance Page

➔ Scroll down to the vertical gray boxes just under the changing highlight pictures at the top of the District website's home page

➔ Click on the Attendance box

➔ Underneath Online Attendance click on Sapphire Community Portal Login

➔ On the login page put in your username and password (this must be set up prior to you using this page)

➔ On the left side is your student(s) name(s)

• If you have multiple students, please make sure you are at the correct student

➔ Under MY BACKPACK click on Student Data Forms (making sure it is the correct student)

➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank

➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form

➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary

Using the District App from Your Cell Phone to Report an Absence

MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence

➔ From the WYASD App Home Page, click on the More waffle icon on the right side of the screen

➔ Click on the Sapphire Portal icon on the right side of the screen

➔ Log in to Sapphire

➔ If you have multiple students, make sure you are in the correct student’s account

➔ At the bottom of the screen there is a purple circle with 3 white lines, click on the circle

➔ Click on the green circle marked Student Data Forms

➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank

➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form

➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary

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.

Be sure to Like/Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don't experience FOMO - Fear of Missing Out! Simply click the images below.