Blue & White Newsletter - 4/5/24
Week of April 1, 2024
Professional Development - Life Long Learning in Action!
While our Bulldogs were enjoying Spring Break, our faculty took their seats on Thursday and Monday for two professional development days!
Our West York educators spent hours in sessions examining student assessments and planning towards maximum student achievement through our curriculum. As a district, we are working towards Every Student Every Day, and taking time to examine our curriculum and high-quality assessment practices allowing our educators and programs to keep moving forward as we graduate world class citizens.
Teachers participated in grade level, cross grade level, and department teams. Several teachers led sessions on important topics for their colleagues, supporting writing in the content areas, engagement, technology usage, and understanding the complex experiences of our students' daily lives. Thank you to all of our teachers, principals, and curriculum leaders who worked to make sure these professional learning days continue to move the district forward towards our goals.
Best Communities for Music Education Award!
Congratulations to our Music Department for receiving the Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation for the third consecutive year!
The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
We still have several concerts scheduled before the end of the year. Attend one or several to show your support of our aspiring musicians and personally experience the award-winning music education available at West York!
- Wednesday, April 17 - 6:30 p.m. @ TRM - Trimmer Beginning Band & 4th Gr Chorus Concert
- Thursday, April 18 - 6:30 p.m. @ TRM - Trimmer 5th Gr Band and Chorus Concert
- Friday, April 19 - 7:00 p.m. @ HS - HS/MS Spring Jazz Concert
- Friday, May 3 - 7:00 p.m. @ HS - HS Spring Band Concert
- Thursday, May 16 - 6:30 p.m. @ MS - MS/HS Pops Concert
- Wednesday, May 22 - 6:30 p.m. @ MS - MS Spring Band Concert
Multimedia Video Production Class
The students in Mr. TJ Meese's Multimedia Video Production Class at the High School have been very busy so far this year learning to use video cameras, video production software, digital cameras, photo editing software, microphones, and other electronic devices to create videos and multimedia presentations. They've learned how to create sound files and use graphics, pictures, sounds, video, text, and motion in the production of different video projects. They've also learn how to use editing software to create, edit, and produce videos. They will surely be ready to produce imaginative and captivating videos and presentations in other classes and wherever their post secondary plans take them!
You can scan or click the QR Code to see some of their video productions.
Highlighted below the photo grid, you will find the link to view their video production from this year's Pumpkin Chunkin event! Well done!
Our Facilities Team Members Are Rock Stars!
This month's Awesome Facilities Staff who are highlighted on our website are Mr. Matt Doweary, Ms. Regina Lau, Mr. Deny Rodriguez, and Ms. Sabrina Trice. Be sure to click on the image below to visit the Facilities page of our website to learn more about these four AWESOME staff members!
Sending Get Well Wishes - Beyond the WY Community
The homeroom students with Ms. Jennifer Bellman's, MS Language Arts teacher, have been following the progress of a little boy who attends Friendship Elementary School in Glen Rock who is currently in Hershey Hospital suffering from a brain tumor. There has been a social media campaign called “Dakota’s Army” that Ms. Bellman's homeroom students have been following. They check on Dakota’s progress a few times a week. During a recent Leader in Me lesson they asked to make posters to cheer him up! Our Bulldogs have big, caring hearts!
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child, a period set aside to acknowledge the fortitude and sacrifices of children from military families. Our District is home to several students who are part of military families; from frequent moves to adapting to new schools, making new friends, and enduring prolonged separations from their deployed parents, they navigate a lifestyle characterized by change and uncertainty. Despite these hurdles, they exhibit remarkable courage, adaptability, and strength.
Learn more about how this month is celebrated by clicking the image above.
Faculty and Students Celebrate National Autism Awareness Month
As part of National Autism Awareness Month, WY faculty, staff, and students celebrated by wearing autism-inspired shirts, engaged in activities. Let’s all celebrate the unique perspectives of people with autism. Together, we can create a more inclusive world.
This week at Lincolnway Elementary, Mrs. Katy Kveragas, Principal, had some very special guests join her for morning announcements! Check out two of the morning announcement videos below! It's sure to bring a smile to your heart! Be sure to turn your volume up!
To learn more about autism and resources available to families, check out AutismSpeaks.org. And join us for our Autism Awareness Month Community Event - details in next section below.
Autism Awareness Month Community Event
All WY Families and the Community are Invited to Attend!
Community Event: Autism Awareness
West York Area School District Administration Building
Wednesday- April 17, 2024
5:00pm - 6:00pm
The Autistic Support students and teachers at West York Area School District invite the school community to join them for an Autism Awareness Month Peer Celebration:
Meet/Read to a Therapy Dog
Bubble Center
Dance Party
Make a Sensory Balloon
Face Painting
Please Join Us for the Annual District Multicultural Fair!
The Multicultural Fair is an annual District-wide event where West York families unite and raise awareness of the rich culture represented in our district through the celebration of ethnic food, music, dance, art and more.
West York Area Middle School, 1700 Bannister Street
Thursday, May 2, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
- To attend, admission is free with the donation of one or more canned goods for the Bulldog Pantry.
- To participate, bring food, cultural artifacts, photos, and displays of a country or culture. Reserve a table in advance by contacting Mrs. Gomez-Myers via email at mmmyers@wyasd.org.
We hope to see you there!
April 5, 2024
9th/10th Grade:
Kaylee Haas
For doing extra work for AP Human Geography!
11th/12th Grade:
Maddie Webb
For being a good friend to others!
Faculty/Staff:
Mr. JT Meese
For a great job on the Professional Development!
And a job well done on the announcements!
College Students Who Are Prospective Teachers - Substitute Opportunities!
Are you a parent of a college student? If so, your child may qualify to substitute teach while on break!
An LEA (Local Education Agency) may allow a prospective teacher to serve as a substitute if the individual:
- Is currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania-approved college or university educator preparation program;
- Has completed at least 60 semester hours or equivalent; and
- Meets all statutory requirements related to clearances, citizenship, and good moral character.
The individual may teach a maximum of 20 days per school year.
For further information or questions, please contact our Human Resources Department at 717-792-2796.
Solar Eclipse - Early Dismissal on April 8th
REMINDER: We will have an early dismissal for our students on Monday, April 8th, due to the timing of the solar eclipse. If you missed Dr. Davies' communication, click the image to the left to read his communication.
The link below will provide you with an updated copy of our 2023-2024 District Calendar, which now reflects the April 8th early dismissal.
Have You Reconnect with Us? It's Quick and Easy! Just Click the Images Below!
Recently, we created fresh Facebook and Instagram accounts, as shared in our March 1st newsletter. Be sure to Like/Follow us so you don't experience FOMO - Fear of Missing Out!
Click below to Like and Follow us!
2024-2025 District Calendar Now Available!
At the February 20th Board Meeting, the 2024-2025 District Calendar was approved and you can access it from our website by clicking the bar below.
April Important Dates
- Monday, April 8, Early Dismissal
- Tuesday, April 9, Communication & Engagement Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday, April 9, Board Work Session (7:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday, April 16, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, April 17, Bulldog Pantry Distribution (5:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, April 17, Trimmer Beginning Band and 4th Grade Chorus Concert (6:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, April 18, Trimmer 5th Grade Band and Chorus Concert (6:30 p.m.)
- Friday, April 19, Early Dismissal
- Friday, April19, HS/MS Spring Jazz Concert @ HS (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, April 25, Off to Kindergarten @ Wallace (5:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, April 27th, HS Prom (6:00 p.m.)
The Bulldog Breakdown
Check out this week's issue of the Bulldog Breakdown, a weekly recap of the prior week's athletic accomplishments and lists the upcoming sporting events.
Don't miss important information on the PIAA postseason events, brackets, schedules, and how to purchase tickets! Simply click the Bulldog image to view the latest issue!
Kindergarten Registration is Now OPEN!
Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. We encourage families to register early. Simply click the image to the right and click on Create A New Account. Even if you already have students in West York, you will use the Create A New Account to begin the registration process for your incoming kindergarten student. Children need to be five years of age by September 1, 2024, to be eligible for kindergarten.
If you have any questions, please contact our Registration Office at 717-792-2796 extension 1216.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
IN AND AROUND THE DISTRICT
Calling All Elementary Parents/Guardians and Staff!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of our school community? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of our students? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join the PTO Board for the 2024-2025 school year!
Positions Available:
- President
- Vice President
- Assistant Treasurer
If you're interested in any of these positions or want to learn more, click the image below to fill out the volunteer form by April 30th. The May 15th meeting is a must attend (6:00 pm) at Wallace Elementary.
Let's work together to make the 2024-2025 school year the best one yet!
The Golden Bulldog Pass is available to our West York residents age 65 and older and admits the holder to various District events and activities.
- Complimentary admission to all home athletic events (excludes playoff events)
- Complimentary admission to all District concerts (most do not charge admission)
- Annual District Musical, including "Lunch and a Show" event (each March)
We welcome those eligible who do not currently have a Golden Pass to stop by our Administration Office, Monday-Friday, between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., to get your pass. All you need is a current photo ID showing your District address and date of birth.
If you know of an eligible friend, neighbor, or family member who might benefit from a Golden Bulldog Pass, please share this information with them. Questions may be directed to BullDogMail@wyasd.org.
Kids Bowl Free Program
Check out the Kids Bowl Free Program! This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community. We have three bowling centers in our area that are participating:
- Colony Park Lanes
- Laser Alleys
- Suburban Bowlerama
Step 1: Go to https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php#PA and find a center near you.
Step 2: Create an account for your family.
Step 3: Enjoy an entire summer of bowling FUN!
Flower Bouquets for 2024 Graduation Ceremony
The Class of 2025 is holding a Commencement Bouquets fundraiser for the 2024 graduation! This is a great opportunity to have a beautiful bouquet of roses conveniently ready for you just outside the ceremony entrance! If you would like to pre-purchase a bouquet, please scan the QR Code below or click the picture to be directed to the vendor website.
WYASD Spirit Wear
Elementary PTO Fundraiser
Ready for some new spring/summer WY spirit wear? Here's your chance to purchase some really cool t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and more to proudly show your Bulldog spirit!
Orders due by April 14th and delivered during the week of May 8th.
Full ordering details, directions, and deadlines can be found by clicking the t-shirt to the right.
Save 46% on Hershey Park Tickets While Supporting our Elementary PTO
Here is a fun way to support our Elementary PTO and give your family a fun day at Hershey Park with a 46% discount on park tickets, and 17% discount on parking.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY APRIL 19TH!
DON'T WAIT!
Click the image below to access the order form.
Community Corner
Be Sure To Check It Out Often!
The Community Corner of our website offers families many helpful links to organizations or flyers about upcoming or ongoing community activities, clubs, and events. The information on this webpage changes frequently and those changes will be highlighted here as they occur. The latest updates are pictured below.
From our Home webpage, click on Community to access links to various organizations/community events.
Here are just some examples:
- Cub Scouts (Boys & Girls ages 5-12)
- Girl Scouts
- West York Boys Club
- YMCA of York
- YWCA of York
Community Resources such as:
- United Way
- Community Progress Council
- Dream Wrights Center for Community Arts
Opportunity to Support a YCAL Partner
The York Builders Association, a YCAL partner (York County Alliance for Learning), is hosting a 9-hole golf fundraiser on Friday, May 10, at Bridgewater Golf Club. All proceeds benefit the York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation as they continue providing scholarships, pre-apprenticeship training, and career exploration. Our programs are FREE to all student participants.
$100 for a single golfer | $400 for a foursome
Fees include a round of golf, cart, lunch, beverages, and the use of the driving range.
Choose from two tee times - 9:00 am or 1:00 pm.
Schedule
8:00 am – 8:45 am – 1st Round Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – 1st Round
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch, 1st Round Awards, 2nd Round Registration
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – 2nd Round
4:30 pm – 2nd Round Awards
Email Melissa Longenberger at Melissa@YorkBuilders.com to registration or with any questions.