Knight NewsOctober 29, 2018

Upper School Starts New Tradition with Fall FestThis week at the Upper School, students and staff will participate in a few activities that celebrate the end of the first trimester and success of the students so far this school year. The Upper School Student Senate and National Junior Art Honor Society worked with faculty and the PTO to make this happen.

Fall Fest officially kicked off yesterday with the 69th Annual York Halloween Parade. The theme was “York – A United Community of Many Cultures,” which tied in well with the IB attribute of being open-minded. Our students worked hard to design a “cemetery of intolerance” where they buried hate, bias and stigma. Dressed as zombies, some performed a student-choreographed dance to “Thriller,” while others were part of the creepy float. Our spirited Lower School Dance Club followed in bright pink York Academy shirts.

Special thanks goes to art teacher Mrs. Chester for her dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. York Academy’s debut in the parade was a direct result of her efforts. We would also like to thank drama teacher Mr. Tellado for directing our student-zombies, and the teachers and parents who helped build the float and walked in the parade. Thank you to HB McClure for donating the generator so we could play music during the parade, too. We also appreciate Dan Schafer, owner of Patriot Transport LLC, for sharing his time, truck and trailer yesterday.

York Academy Online Store ReturnsThe York Academy Online Store is now open and will remain so through Wednesday, November 7. York Academy families interested in purchasing gym uniforms and school approved sweatshirts (navy blue for grades K-5 and maroon for grades 6-9) should take this opportunity to place orders for these items. The gym uniforms and other apparel will be delivered on Monday, November 12.

York Academy Regional Charter School

Please be reminded that Middle Year Students who are attending the Upper School and are scheduled for physical education class in the second or third trimester will need black shorts and a gray or teal t-shirt with the York Academy logo.

Arrival ReminderAs a reminder, the Lower School closes access to the building at 8:00 a.m. Students are expected to be in their classroom by 8:05 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are recorded as tardy. All children are expected to arrive at school on time. Students walking into a classroom that has initiated instruction is a distraction to those that arrived on time. Do make every effort to assure that your children arrive at the school before the start of class.

For those students attending the Upper School, doors open at 7:45 a.m., and students not in their assigned classroom by 8:15 a.m. will be considered late.

Throughout the week, there will be special activities such as fall festive foods and drinks during breakfast/lunch and a movie, all leading up to a dance on Thursday evening from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The two clubs will also be selling CandyGrams with spooky messages to send to friends with a full size candy bar to eat during the movie. Each costs $2.00 and the Spooky messages were created by some of our own students. We are very excited to start this new tradition at the Upper School!

Third Grade Sponsors Funky Sock Fest to Help AmputeesHelp York Academy assist amputees in need get a second chance at life by providing them with prosthetic legs. You can make a difference by purchasing some funky socks through the charity “We Take Two.”

Visit a third grade classroom through Wednesday, November 14 to buy a pack of three fun and colorful socks for $12.00. Click here to purchase them online through November 24. There are socks for children and adults.

It’s Time for Penny WarsAs an additional part of the service project to benefit We Take Two shared above, third grade is hosting Penny Wars between the grade levels starting today through Wednesday, November 14. Penny Wars is a competition in which the students try to raise money for a charitable cause. A portion of the funds raised will help provide prosthetic legs for amputees in need. Another part will be used to purchase socks for the winning grade. These students will be rewarded with socks filled with candy and prizes.

Students earn points in their class’s jug specifically from pennies. Since it’s a competition, they can put silver coins and paper money in the jugs of the other classes, which takes points away from their point totals. The jugs will be in the lobby from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. until November 14. The point structure is listed at right.

When our school has sold 80 packs, we will be able to provide one above-the knee leg for an amputee. For every 40 packs sold, our dollars will provide someone with a below-the-knee leg. In addition to providing a prosthetic leg, for every pack sold, one pair of warm socks will be sent to York Academy for donation to a local shelter.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is that our students will receive at least one picture and story of an amputee whose life has been changed as a result of their efforts.

1 Penny = +1 point1 Nickel = -5 points1 Dime = -10 points

1 Quarter= -25 pointsAny Paper Bills = -50 points

Box Tops for EducationGet your scissors ready! By snipping off box tops and sending them to school with your child, you will help the PTO earn money for more field trips and events for our families. The next deadline is Thursday, November 1. Please bring in as many as you can!

Boys’ Basketball Coach NeededThe York Academy is seeking a qualified individual that would be interested in coaching the 5th and 6th grade Boys’ Basketball Team. This is a paid position through the Academy. The boys’ team is selected and will play in a community league during the season. The coach will be responsible for arranging regular practices and must be present for all games. Interested individuals should submit a Letter of Interest and Resume to Dr. Dennis Baughman at dbaughman@yorkarcs.org or to:

Dr. Dennis BaughmanYork Academy Regional Charter School

32 West North StreetYork, PA 17401

Girls’ Volleyball Coach NeededThe York Academy is looking for a qualified individual that would be interested in coaching the 6th and 7th grade Girls’ Volleyball Team. The team will participate in a local tournament during the season and the coach will be responsible for arranging regular practices and securing registration for tournament play. If you would like to apply, please submit a Letter of Interest and Resume to Dr. Dennis Baughman at dbaughman@yorkarcs.org or:

Dr. Dennis BaughmanYork Academy Regional Charter School

32 West North StreetYork, PA 17401

Important Parking and Drop-off ReminderPlease be advised that the parking lot at the intersection of 209 South Beaver Street and Gay Avenue is private parking for the employees of that business. We are receiving complaints that our parents are parking in this lot and that their employees are not able to park there.

The York City Police Department met with York Academy staff and indicated that any unauthorized vehicles parked in that lot will be booted or towed. The fine for booting is $100.00. The fine for towing is significantly higher. It is strongly recommended that parents not park in this lot.

As we have stated before in previous communications, the parking lot on the west side of Beaver Street is designated for our parents during arrival and dismissal.

In addition, the Traffic Enforcement Officers have been on site frequently. Parents that drop off students in the marked bus lane will receive a fine for the violation. Parents are not permitted to drop off or pick up students on any of the streets surrounding the York Academy. Doing so presents a dangerous situation for children.

Student-Led Conferences (K-5)Student-Led Conferences for students in kindergarten through fifth grade are scheduled for Thursday, November 15th and Friday, November 16th. All conferences must be scheduled by Tuesday, November 13th.

Please click here to select and sign up for a time-slot via PTCFast. This site will allow you to schedule multiple times if you have more than one child attending York Academy. Remember that your child is required to attend the conference with you, so keep that in mind when choosing your time(s). Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the teacher(s) of your child/children.

Step 2: Enter the student’s name, your name, email address and phone number. Click on “Submit” at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Open your email to find an email from PTCFast with a link to the schedule for your teacher(s). Click that website.

Step 4: Place a check next to the time you are scheduling for (multiple conferences will require a selection to be made for each teacher) and then select the “Confirm Selections” at the bottom of the screen.

Middle Year teaching staff will notify parents of MYP students should there be a need for a conference. Otherwise, parents and students not scheduled for a conference may visit the school to attend an Open House and secure the child’s report card on Thursday, November 15 and Friday, November 16 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Middle Years Conferences (6 - 9)