Blue & White Newsletter - 9/19/25

West York Area High School is excited to announce the members of this year’s Homecoming Court! These outstanding students were selected by their classmates for their school spirit, leadership, and positive contributions to the West York community.

This year’s Homecoming Court includes:

Back row from L to R: Julius Madden, Slade Moore, Jaxon Ferber, Logan Claycomb, Steven Steele, and Hunter Chronister

Front row from L to R: Caydence King, Lily Weaver, Megan Chikezie, Kendra Bazzle, Lily Fahnestock, and Gracie Pilgrim

The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned just before the Homecoming football game on Friday, October 3rd. Students, staff, families, and community members are invited to attend and help celebrate this exciting tradition. See all of the details for the community Homecoming Parade, king and queen coronation ceremony, football game, and dance towards the end of this newsletter.

West York Area High School is proud of all students who were nominated and thanks the entire High School student body for participating in this year’s selection process. Congratulations to the 2025 Homecoming Court!

Ms. Kelsey Sersen’s and Ms. Courtney Munyon’s classes at Lincolnway Elementary practiced healthy habits this week. After listening to the story Sick Simon, students rotated through stations to complete sight word activities, summarize the story, practice proper handwashing, and investigate their “glowing germs” under a black light. Special thanks to Ms. Dawn Ness for sharing her supplies!

Students in Ms. Kelsey Sersen’s classroom at Lincolnway Elementary checked out books in media class with Ms. Lauren Lane last week. Ms. Lane went above and beyond in helping students choose books that meet their interests! They were so engaged and interested in the books they selected, that on Friday morning, the students asked to read their books during soft start time. How awesome!

Pictured below (L-R): Misael Ndjanhou, Emily Wood, and Tristan Mam

Wallace Elementary’s first graders had a special visit this week from the York County Library as part of the GOAL (Grade One At the Library) program.

During the assembly, students learned all about the resources available at their local library, including books, story times, and special programs designed just for young readers. The librarians shared tips for choosing books, encouraged students to get their very own library cards, and inspired them to make reading a fun part of their daily routine.

GOAL is a wonderful way to connect students with their community library and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. Wallace Elementary is grateful to the York County Library team for supporting literacy and making reading exciting for our students!

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news! Ms. Amanda Burt, our High School Life Skills Teacher, has been selected as one of WGAL’s prestigious “8 Who Care” honorees for 2025!

This well-deserved recognition highlights Ms. Burt’s tireless dedication and the tremendous difference she makes every single day through her work with the Bulldog Pantry at the High School. Under her leadership, the Bulldog Pantry has become far more than just a source of food—it’s a place where students and families feel supported, empowered, and cared for. Her commitment ensures that basic needs are met so that every student can focus on learning and thriving.

On Tuesday, Jere Gish and the WGAL camera crew visited the Pantry to capture Ms. Burt in action. The segment will air in the coming weeks, showcasing the incredible impact she’s making on our school and community.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating her achievement. When you see her in the halls, give her a big smile, a heartfelt “thank you,” or even a well-deserved high five—because this honor is a reflection of her passion, her hard work, and her belief in our students.

Trimmer’s K’Nex Club has officially kicked off—and the enthusiasm is through the roof! More than 50 fourth- and fifth-grade students are spending their lunch periods to dive into the engineering design process and bring their creative ideas to life using K’Nex.

Working in small, collaborative groups, students take on real-world challenges by:

• Researching a given problem

• Brainstorming possible solutions

• Sketching a detailed blueprint

• Building and testing their prototype

• Improving their design based on test results

• Presenting their final creation and explaining how it solves the problem

Through this hands-on experience, students are building more than just structures—they’re developing critical problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence in sharing their ideas.

Right now, the club is focused on designing and building bridges that balance strength and safety. Prototypes will be tested and presented by the end of the month, and we can’t wait to see what these young engineers come up with!

Our students are doing an OUTSTANDING job, and the level of creativity and collaboration we’re seeing has been nothing short of inspiring.

Students at Wallace Elementary had a colorful and creative week as they celebrated International Dot Day in art class! This special day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ beloved book The Dot, encourages students to embrace creativity, courage, and self-expression.

In class, students first gathered to listen to the story The Dot, which tells the tale of Vashti, a young artist who learns to make her mark and build confidence in her abilities. After the story, students got moving by dancing and singing along to Emily Arrow’s cheerful song, “The Dot,” which brought the book’s message to life through music.

With inspiration fresh in their minds, students then worked with art teacher Ms. Alyssa Daugherty to create their very own unique dots. Using a variety of materials, colors, and techniques, each student’s dot reflected their personality and imagination.

When the masterpieces were complete, the dots were proudly displayed in the school hallway, turning it into a vibrant gallery of creativity. The colorful display brought smiles to students, staff, and visitors alike — truly making a splash at Wallace Elementary!

The District is excited to once again invite all students, grades K–12, to participate in our annual Holiday Card Design Contest! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their artistic talents with the community and help spread holiday cheer.

Each year, two winning designs are selected—one from the elementary grades and one from the secondary grades—to be featured on the District’s official holiday cards.

The two student artists whose designs are selected will be honored at the December 9, 2025, School Board Meeting, where they will:

• Be recognized in front of the Board and community

• Receive a small, art-focused gift

• See their winning artwork beautifully framed and displayed in the District Boardroom

Artwork Guidelines
To ensure fairness and consistency, submissions must follow these guidelines:

• Theme: “Winter” or “The Holidays”

• Paper Size: Minimum 6” x 4.5” and maximum 12” x 9”

• Orientation: Landscape only (portrait designs cannot be considered)

• Eligibility: Open to all K–12 students

• Identification: Student’s name, grade, and school must be written on the back

• Deadline: Turn in designs to your Art Teacher by Thursday, October 30, 2025

Construction paper is available through each building's Art Teachers. If creating artwork at home, please make sure it meets the size and orientation requirements before submitting.

We encourage students to participate and let their imaginations shine. We can’t wait to see the creativity of our students reflected in this year’s holiday cards!

Check out just a few of the winning examples from prior years below!

Homecoming season is here, and West York is ready to celebrate with a week full of Bulldog pride, tradition, and community spirit! Everyone is invited to take part in the excitement—whether you’re a student, alumni, neighbor, or lifelong fan, there’s something for you to enjoy. Be sure to mark your calendars now!

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally – Show Your Spirit!

Wednesday, October 1st
Kick off the festivities with the annual Homecoming Parade as students, faculty, staff and administrators parade through the streets of West York. Bring your family, invite your friends, and line the sidewalks to cheer on the Bulldogs as the parade passes by! Following the parade, head over to the High School for the Pep Rally where food trucks will be set up with a variety of delicious options available for purchase.

• Parade route shown below. Parade begins at the High School at 6:00 PM
• Any K-8th grade students are required to be accompanied by an adult during the Pep Rally
• Pep Rally concludes at 8:00 PM

Homecoming Football Game – Friday Night Lights!

Friday, October 3rd
Friday night brings the big game as our Bulldogs face South Western High School. Fans can rally together under the lights, celebrate school pride, and witness the exciting announcement and coronation of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen. It’s an evening of football, tradition, and unforgettable memories for the entire West York community.

• Homecoming Announcement/Coronation - 6:45 PM
• Football Game - 7:00 PM
• Please view important information about WYASD Athletic Events Attendance Expectations

Homecoming Dance – Theme: Let's Play CLUE - Who Stole the Golden Bulldog?

Saturday, October 4th
To close out the celebration, high school students will enjoy the Homecoming Dance, a chance to dress up, dance, and create lasting memories with friends. This year's theme is based on the board game, CLUE, but West York style! Someone stole the Golden Bulldog and everyone on the Homecoming Court are suspects!

• The Homecoming Dance is a ticketed event for high school students only

This year’s Homecoming festivities are all about bringing together the West York community. Mark your calendars, gather your Bulldog gear, and join us in celebrating tradition, spirit, and pride. Let’s make Homecoming 2025 one to remember!

On November 11, we will take time to recognize and honor the veterans in our local community. To mark this important day, the High School Social Studies Department is launching a Flag Campaign to raise funds for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Organization.

If you were with us last year, you may remember the beautiful display of flags along Bannister Street (pictured to the left). You can check out the ABC27 News video clip from last year as well!

This year, we hope to make an even bigger impact by displaying more flags than ever before! Did you know that West York is home to over 1,200 veterans? We invite you to honor the veterans in your life by supporting this fundraiser.

As contributions accumulate, DAV will send flags to be proudly displayed outside the High School. Our fundraising campaign runs through October 29, so don’t wait — help us fill the lawn with flags! You can look for the display beginning November 7 in front of the High School.

To donate, please use our school’s designated link below. Together, we can honor those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

We are excited to announce that our High School will be hosting a Career Expo on Friday, October 24th, and we want to partner with you, our parents and the West York community, to make it a success! This event is designed to give students the chance to explore a wide variety of careers, ask questions, and learn about what local businesses and organizations do — as well as discover current and future career opportunities.

This is a wonderful way for businesses to educate students about the industries they represent. It truly takes a community to prepare and inspire the next generation of workers and leaders, and we would love to showcase the many career paths available to our students.

If your place of employment would be interested in hosting a table at the Career Expo, we encourage you to invite them to participate. Employers are welcome to share job openings, internship opportunities, or simply educate students about their field.

Your attendance and support mean more than you know — together, we can create a meaningful learning experience for our students.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to the point of contact at your workplace or share it with other businesses or organizations that may be interested in participating.

For more details, please click the bar below. If you have any questions or wish to register your organization for a table at the Career Expo, please reach out to Ms. Manda Meese, Diversified Occupations Teacher/Business Education Teacher at 717-845-6634 or via email at mrmeese@wyasd.org.

*RSVP required by Friday, Sept. 26th, if possible. Please reply by providing Ms. Meese with the name(s) of the individual(s) representing your business or organization and any needs or questions you may have.

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, it's time for the annual West Manchester Township Fire Department's Fire Prevention Poster Contest! This contest is open to all Lincolnway Elementary and Trimmer Elementary students.

Use your imagination to create a poster with this year's N.F.P.A.'s fire prevention theme - CHARGE into Fire Safety!

Details:

• Poster board will be available in the main office at Lincolnway and Trimmer
• Make sure your name, your teacher's name, your parent/guardian's telephone number, and your home address are on the back of your poster
• Posters will be displayed for voting during the West Manchester Township Truck Touch event at Lincolnway Fire Company, 300 E. Berlin Road
• Saturday, October 4th - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
• Each vote will cost 50 cents with the proceeds going to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• Deadline for posters to be submitted to the Lincolnway/Trimmer main offices is Thursday, October 2nd

The Prize . . . The winner from each Lincolnway and the winner from Trimmer will be picked up at their home and brought to school in a fire truck!

• PSAT: WYAHS will proctor (free of charge) the PSAT to registered JUNIORS on Wednesday, October 15th from 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Registration information coming soon.

• ASVAB: WYAHS will proctor to registered students the school-ASVAB on Monday, November 3rd at 8:00 AM.

• Virtual Informational FAFSA Zoom: PHEAA representative will help guide families through the FAFSA application process on Monday, September 22nd from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Zoom link below or scan the QR Code to the left. This is an interactive Zoom and will allow families to ask questions during the session.
  

• FAFSA Completion Night: Local college financial aid representatives and our local PHEAA representative will be here to assist families in completing the FAFSA application on Monday, October 20th from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM in the HS Media Center.

• Instant Admissions Decision Events: A "College Instant Admissions event" is a recruitment event where students can receive an on-the-spot admission decision from a college or university after meeting with an admissions counselor and reviewing their application materials. Students should bring their transcripts, test scores, and other required documents (Counselors will assist with access to these documents) to the event to facilitate the on-site review process. While these decisions are not binding and students can still apply to other schools, the events offer a quick way to get an admission offer and can serve as a "safety" admission, especially for students applying to less competitive institutions.
• York College of Pennsylvania - Wednesday, October 8th - 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Shippensburg University - Tuesday, October 28th - 9:30 - 11:00 AM




Contact your child’s HS Counselor if you have questions about any of these events.

Students and Parents, we will be spotlighting a new product or service every month to help you get to know First Capital Federal Credit Union and what we have to offer you and your family!

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on our NextGen account, designed specifically for the young adults in your life! At First Capital, we offer accounts for kids of all ages, starting from newborns and up, but the NextGen account is tailored for students ages 14-17. When they open a NextGen account, they’ll receive a free tumbler as a welcome gift! With this savings program students will have two opportunities to earn some extra cash by making deposits! For every $50 deposit, they’ll receive 50 points, and for every 500 points, a $5 deposit will be automatically added to their savings account. This is in addition to earning stamps on their Bulldog Buck$ stamp card! Students will also receive a birthday postcard during their birthday month, which includes an extra $5 deposit into their account. As they continue to grow and plan for the future, they’ll also be eligible to apply for our scholarships during their senior year, helping them with the cost of education. In addition, they’ll have the option to apply for private student loans to help cover any additional college expenses.

It’s never too early to set your young adult on a path to financial success, and with First Capital’s NextGen account, they can start learning, saving, and earning now. Set them up for a bright

financial future today!

Through our partnership with WYASD, families in the School District automatically qualify for membership at First Capital Federal Credit Union, and we would love to have you as a member!

We will even make the initial opening deposit of $6 ($1 membership fee, $5 share savings deposit) for you! If you would like more information, please stop by The Bulldog Branch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn more about what First Capital has to offer.

SEPTEMBER 2025

• Tuesday, September 23, Trimmer Elementary School Picture Day
• Thursday, September 25, Wellness Committee Meeting (3:15 PM)
• Friday, September 26, Early Dismissal

OCTOBER 2025

• Wednesday, October 1, Community Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally (6:00 PM)
• Friday, October 3, Homecoming Football Game and Coronation (7:00 PM)
• Saturday, October 4, High School Homecoming Dance (7:00 PM)
• Friday, October 10, Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
• Monday, October 13, Columbus Day - No School
• Tuesday, October 14, Work Session of the Board (7:00 PM)
• Wednesday, October 15, Elementary PTO Meeting (6:00 PM)
• Monday, October 20, FAFSA Completion Night at the HS (6:00 PM)
• Tuesday, October 21, Communication and Engagement Committee (CEC) (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday, October 21, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 23, Trunk or Treat (6:00 PM)
• Friday, October 24, Early Dismissal, Marking Period 1 Ends/HS Semester 1/Term 1 Ends

Join our Elementary PTO! Our Elementary PTO plays a vital role in supporting students and teachers through events, programs, and classroom resources. We invite all parents and guardians to get involved—whether by attending meetings, volunteering at events, participating in fundraisers or sharing ideas. Together, we can make this school year the best one yet for our kids!

The West York Area Middle School Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is organized to support and enrich educational opportunities for students. The relationships within the school community, which includes students, families, and staff are a vital influence on the success of our children's futures. The PTSO's purpose is to foster open communication and a sense of support, pride, enthusiasm, and excellence for the educational process at West York Area Middle School.

Our first Restaurant Night fundraiser of the school year is coming up and it's at Chick-fil-A! Details:

• Where: Chick-fil-A - 922 Loucks Rd, York, PA 17404
• When: Tuesday September 23, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• 10% of sales will go to the Middle School PTSO

This is an in person, drive thru and online fundraiser, but is only during the hours of 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Save yourself some time cooking and come out and support the PTSO- one chicken sandwich or box of nuggets at a time! No flyer to show or code to use - just say West York Area Middle School!

Have you checked out the Community page on our District website? This page is your go-to spot for helpful resources, local organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and flyers for upcoming community events and programs.

Newly posted activities/event include:

2025–2026 WYBC / Bulldogs Club Travel Basketball Registration is open!

• Registration Opens: Thursday, August 21, 2025
• Deadline: Saturday, October 5, 2025
• Who Can Register: Boys & Girls in Grades 3–6
• Fee: $165 (includes uniform + practice jersey)
• Sibling Discount: $20 off each additional child

Late Registration: October 6–12 ($200 fee)

No registrations accepted after October 12

Tryouts (Grades 3–6)
Location: West York Middle School

• Boys 3rd/4th: Oct 21 & 22 | 6–7 PM
• Boys 5th/6th: Oct 21 & 22 | 7:15–8:30 PM
• Girls 3rd/4th: Oct 23 | 6–7 PM
• Girls 5th/6th: Oct 23 | 7:15–8:15 PM

Register Here: https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/wybc
Coaching? Indicate interest during registration & complete clearances (links on the site).
Questions? Email: WYBCBasketball34567@gmail.com

Let’s go Bulldogs!

The items in this section have appeared in earlier issues but remain useful as ongoing references and resources.

We are excited to share with you the new, easy process for student school pictures with our new vendor, Heritage Imagery. Our final school is Trimmer Elementary, scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd.

As we've been reporting, here’s how picture orders will work this year:

• Within 48 hours after picture day, you’ll receive a personal link by text and email (using the contact information from Sapphire)

• Once your gallery is ready, you’ll be able to view your photos before placing an order

• No presales are needed!

• You’ll also have access to 400+ background options to customize your prints

• All orders are placed directly through your personal link

It’s that simple!

Be sure to check your spam folder if you have not received your link within the 48 hours of your child's picture day. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Heritage Imagery at info@heritage-imagery.com

Are you passionate about supporting students and making a difference in your community? We are currently hiring Teacher Aides, including Special Education Teacher Aides, part-time Food Services Assistants, and a full-time Health Room Nurse for the 2025–2026 school year.

These positions are a wonderful opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with children and want to contribute to their educational journey.

The teacher aide positions do not require a teaching certificate or college degree—candidates need only a high school diploma (or equivalent), along with enthusiasm, patience, and a dedication to helping students succeed. As a Teacher Aide, you’ll work closely with teachers to support instruction, assist students with daily learning activities, and help create a positive classroom environment. Special Education Teacher Aides provide valuable support to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re looking for meaningful work where you can make a direct impact, we encourage you to apply! Click the image below to visit our Employment page for a full listing of current openings and access to submitting your application.

Reach out to our Human Resources Department with any questions at 717-792-2796 or via email at Employment@wyasd.org.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Bulldog Pantry! Our first distribution date was a busy one and our families were incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community menmbers.

We continue to welcome donations of pantry staples to ensure shelves are well stocked for our monthly distribution dates.

The items most in need include:

• Canned food like fruit, vegetables, soup, tuna, stews
• Pasta & sauce
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Cereal, oatmeal, pancake mixes
• Rice, stuffing, & potato mixes
• Granola bars
• Juice
• Condiments
• Grocery store gift cards

Donations can be dropped off at the High School office during school hours. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference in supporting our community.

If you have any questions, please visit our Bulldog Pantry webpage by clicking the Bulldog Pantry image above. You can also reach out to Ms. Amanda Burt, Life Skills Teacher, via email at amburt@wyasd.org.

Don’t miss your chance to lock in the best deal on this year’s West York Area High School yearbook! Prices will increase starting Saturday, October 18th, so now is the perfect time to purchase at the lowest price of the year. You can scan the QR Code in the image below or click the red bar below to order your yearbook.

The yearbook is a keepsake filled with memories, photos, and highlights from the entire school year—something your student will treasure for years to come. Order today to save before the price goes up!

Wellspan Philhaven Crisis Intervention provides urgent mental and behavioral health support, acting as a specialized response to individuals in crisis or experiencing severe emotional distress. These services include rapid assessments, stabilization, and connections to longer-term care through programs like their START program, which offers same-day access to therapy, psychiatric care, and other vital resources to prevent escalation and support recovery.

We are able to support the community through mobile crisis support 24/7, anytime/anywhere. If a student should need to be assessed either at the school or at home, you can alert the crisis team at 717-851-5320 for a counselor to come directly to them.

We are able to offer support for not only immediate needs for concerns of suicidal ideations, self-injurious behaviors, homicidal ideations, etc. but also, for any other concerns with accessing mental health care. We can assist with connecting individuals to services and place referrals to assist them.

If a student/family prefers a doctor's office setting, our walk-in center has relocated to the WellSpan START building in the Loretta Claiborne Building at 605 S George St, York, PA. We are able to see patients Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

This is a question parents often ask. We know that mornings can be challenging for adults and children alike. Sometimes we wake and might not feel our best, but once we get moving, often we find it wasn't a problem making it through the day - at work or at school.

So, here's a great reference for assisting you in determining whether to send your child to school when they have complaints of not feeling well. You can click here for a printable copy to hang on your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

Please review the details in the graphics below carefully, as meeting all medical, dental, and vaccine requirements is essential for maintaining student health.

• Medical Exams: Regular medical evaluations help identify and address potential health concerns early.

• Dental Exams: Annual dental checkups are necessary to prevent and treat oral health issues.

• Vaccine Requirements: Keeping students up to date on vaccinations is critical for protecting them and those around them from preventable diseases.

For more details and the exam forms, click HERE.

For more details on vaccine requirements, click HERE.

Please make sure all required documentation is completed and submitted promptly. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's school nurse.

At the November 19th Board Meeting, the 2025-2026 District Calendar was approved and you can access it from our website by clicking the bar below.

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