Blue & White Newsletter - 8/21/2026

West York Area School District faculty and staff came together on Monday, August 17, for the annual District Welcome event — a chance to reconnect, celebrate our Bulldog community, and begin a new school year together.

Ms. Melissa Appnel, Director of K-12 Education and Assessment, served as emcee for the morning, which included remarks from Superintendent Dr. Todd Davies, School Board President Mr. Dan Rice, and The Foundation for the WYASD Board President Ms. Suzanne Smith. Ms. Smith shared more about the Foundation and the many ways it works to support West York students and staff.

The event also gave us the opportunity to welcome our newest Bulldogs (employees who joined the District during the past year) and celebrate four members of our Bulldog family who have each dedicated 30 years of service to West York: Mr. Brionne Caldwell, Ms. Tracy Pastelak, Ms. Karen Roelke, and Ms. Kimberlee Shearer.

An especially meaningful moment during the morning were special videos featuring Bulldogs at many different stages of life—current K-12 students, alumni who are leaders in their communities, and Golden Bulldogs who have carried their West York connections with them for decades. Together, their stories highlighted the lasting sense of belonging that comes with being part of the West York family.

The videos also revealed a new District slogan that captures that connection across generations: Learners Today. Leaders Tomorrow. Bulldogs Forever.

As we begin another school year together, we look forward to continuing to build the connections, experiences, and traditions that make West York a special place to learn, work, and belong.

The halls are full, classrooms are buzzing, and a new school year is officially underway at West York!

On Wednesday, August 19, students in Kindergarten and grades 2, 4, 6, and 9 kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with their first day back. The staggered start gave students entering new buildings a chance to get settled, learn new routines, and get comfortable with their surroundings. Then, on Thursday, August 20, all of our Bulldogs were back for their first full day across the District!

From reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers to finding classrooms and settling into new routines, there was plenty of excitement throughout our schools. We loved welcoming our students back and seeing the energy return to our classrooms and hallways.

Here’s to a great year of learning, new experiences, friendships, and plenty of Bulldog pride. Welcome back, Bulldogs!

West York Area High School’s Link Crew was ready to welcome our incoming ninth graders as they arrived for their first day on Wednesday!

Starting high school is a big milestone. Along with the excitement of a new beginning, students may also be wondering where to go, what to expect, or how quickly they will settle into a new routine. For many freshmen, simply seeing friendly faces and knowing there are people ready to help can make that first day feel much more comfortable.

That is where Link Crew comes in. The student-led transition program, developed by The Boomerang Project, trains juniors and seniors to serve as mentors for incoming freshmen and new students. Link Crew leaders help students get acclimated to the High School and continue to serve as a source of support throughout the year.

Before welcoming the Class of 2030, our Link Crew leaders completed training and prepared activities, signs, and other special touches for orientation day. Their enthusiasm helped create a warm first impression and gave our newest High School Bulldogs a chance to begin building connections right away.

Thank you to our Link Crew leaders for helping the Class of 2030 start their high school journey with a warm West York welcome!

West York Area School District has once again been recognized by The NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the country! Mr. Joel Menchey from Menchey Music presented the award to our Music Department.

This marks the fifth consecutive year West York has earned the designation. Out of approximately 13,500 school and district submissions nationwide, only 1,000 were selected, placing West York among the top 7.5% in the country.

We are proud of our students and music educators, and grateful for the continued support of our families and community. Music remains an important part of the West York experience at every level. Congratulations to our entire Bulldog community on this outstanding national recognition!

Pictured left to right: Joel Menchey (NAMM), Sarah Foery (Trimmer), Sam Brooks (High School), Laurie Kumontis (Middle School), Janine Miller (Trimmer), Robert Titus (Middle and High School), and Faith Wentworth (Lincolnway)

Not pictured: Maggie VanBrakle (Wallace)

On the evening of August 12, the West York Area Middle School cheer squad brought some Bulldog spirit to residents at Country Meadows Retirement Community.

The cheerleaders spent time with residents and shared some of their skills, including a stunt performance. The visit also created a special connection when cheerleaders Shanell Nelson and Grace Searcy met a Country Meadows resident who had been a cheerleader herself.

It was a fun opportunity for our Junior High cheerleaders to share their enthusiasm with members of the community and make a few new connections along the way!

The West York Area High School faculty lounge received a fresh new look thanks to the Class of 2026 and advisors Ms. Amanda Burt and Ms. Amanda Kazi. The group gave back to High School faculty and staff by updating the space with fresh paint, new décor, kitchen essentials, and teacher supplies.

A generous donation from the Shiloh Lions Club also made it possible to purchase new seating for the lounge. Thank you to Captain Anderson and the NJROTC cadets for lending a hand with installing the new chairs and helping complete the refresh!

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, West York Area School District is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

What this means for your family:

• Free Meals: Every enrolled student can receive one nutritious breakfast and one full lunch each school day at no cost to your household.

• No Signup Required: You do not need to fill out an application or pay any fees for your children to participate—they are automatically eligible.

• À La Carte & Extras: Students may still purchase single items, smart snacks, or second lunches. To buy these extra items, students must have available funds in their lunch account.

Please visit the Food Services web page for more details and for information on setting up/managing your child’s meal account, if needed, for the À La Carte and extra items.

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.

Have you checked Sapphire for your student’s information?

Elementary homeroom assignments, Middle School and High School class schedules, and transportation information are all viewable in the Sapphire Portal.

If you have not already, we encourage families to log in and review their information. If you have trouble accessing your account or need help with your login information, please contact our Technology Department at SapphirePortal@wyasd.org.

Sapphire Portal directions can also be found HERE.

Back to School Night gives families a closer look at what students will be learning throughout the school year and how each classroom will support their growth.

During the evening, teachers will share information about curriculum, classroom expectations, communication, and ways families can stay involved in their student’s learning. It is also a great opportunity to better understand the year ahead and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

Back to School Night Dates by School: *All will run from 6:00–7:30 p.m.

• Wallace Elementary: Monday, August 24th

• Lincolnway Elementary: Tuesday, August 25th

• Trimmer Elementary: Wednesday, August 26th

• West York Area Middle School: Thursday, August 27th

• West York Area High School: Wednesday, September 9th

• High School — Tuesday, August 25
• 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

AUGUST 2026

• Monday, August 24 | 6:00 p.m. — Wallace Back to School Night
• Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 p.m. — Lincolnway Back to School Night
• Tuesday, August 25 — High School Picture Day
• Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 p.m. — Trimmer Back to School Night
• Thursday, August 27 | 6:00 p.m. — Middle School Back to School Night

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 | 5:30 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 at West York Area High School will once again provide monthly food distributions for West York families with students in grades K–12 throughout the 2026–27 school year. The first pantry distribution will take place on September 23, with additional dates scheduled monthly through May.

As the number of families using the pantry continues to grow, community support remains especially important. Donations help keep shelves stocked and ensure Bulldog families have access to essential fresh and non-perishable foods, as well as household items, throughout the school year.

Most needed non-perishable items include:

• Boxed noodles & spaghetti sauce
• Mac & cheese
• Cereal & cereal bars
• Canned ravioli

Most needed household items include:

• Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, tissues
• Hygiene products: Shampoo & conditioner, bars of soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products

Grocery store gift cards are also appreciated and allow the pantry to purchase perishable items as needed.

Thank you to everyone who helps support the Bulldog Pantry and our West York families. For more information, click the Bulldog Pantry dates image below or contact Ms. Amanda Burt, Life Skills Teacher, at amburt@wyasd.org.

The new school year has arrived! We invite our Bulldog community to learn more about The Foundation for the West York Area School District and the many ways it supports our students.

The Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that helps expand learning opportunities, support teacher and student initiatives, fund innovative programs, build community partnerships, and provide scholarships for West York students.

We have an exciting community fundraising event coming up this fall, and we need volunteers to help make it as successful as possible! Parents, alumni, staff, community members, local businesses, and Bulldog supporters are invited to complete our short Interest & Involvement Survey to learn more, share ideas, and get involved. Click on the link or the image to the right to take you to the survey.

Together, we can continue creating meaningful opportunities for West York students—today and for generations to come. Questions can be directed to foundation@wyasd.org.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, work on the District’s Athletic Fields Project continues across the High School and Middle School campuses, with significant progress already visible.

With our buildings and campuses once again busy with students, staff, families, athletes, and visitors, please help us keep everyone safe by following these important guidelines:

• Do not touch or interact with construction equipment or materials
• Stay on designated walkways and paths
• Do not move or cross temporary fencing or barriers
• Watch for moving construction vehicles when walking, biking, or driving
• Follow all posted signage and staff directions

Construction areas may shift as work progresses and can become active at any time, even when they appear inactive.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we move through another exciting phase of the project and work toward creating something special for our Bulldog community.

Looking for activities, programs, and opportunities available throughout the West York community? 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.

Information on the page is updated regularly as new flyers and resources are received, so families are encouraged to check back often for the latest additions.

To view current opportunities and learn more, click the Community Corner Webpage bar below.

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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