Blue & White Newsletter - 3/8/24
Week of March 4, 2024
Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of Beauty and the Beast!
What a spectacular musical! This production was AWESOME from the talent of our students, to the crew/lighting/sound teams, building of the sets, our musicians, and everyone who helped make this show so amazing! Thank you to Ms. Deirdre Casey our Director, Mr. Rod Meckley and Mr. Robert Titus for leading our musicians, Mr. Seth Conrad and Mrs. Tracy Conrad for set production, and Mr. Gabe Casey for all of his assistance. Well done and we all look forward to next year's all-district musical!
Golden Bulldog Passholder Event Beauty and the Beast
On Sunday, March 3rd, we welcomed 60 Golden Bulldog Passholders as our guests for a delicious luncheon prepared by members of our Food Services team followed by attending our Beauty and the Beast musical! Each year, this event continues to grow as we welcome the senior citizens of our district to this special event.
A special thank you to Mr. Scott Rutkowski, Ms. Daj Shearer, Ms. Kathy Stover, and Ms. Kara Davis for the wonderful lunch, to Mr. Jeff Ludwig and the Facilities Team for their assistance with setting up for the luncheon, and to Master Gunnery Sergeant Jesus Lizano and our NJROTC cadets for their assistance during the luncheon and assisting our special guests to their seats for the show.
Information on obtaining a Golden Bulldog Pass can be found towards the end of each week's Blue & White Newsletter as well as on our website by clicking the image above.
The Robotics Unit Brings Lots of Fun to Learning!
Students in Ms. Elizabeth Lapham's class at Lincolnway Elementary have been learning how to drive a Sphero Bolt during their robotics unit. They practiced aiming the Sphero while bowling and using drawing apps to control the robot's path. As a culminating activity, students used the engineer design process to create a battle bot costume for their Sphero and went head to head to see if their balloon could survive the battle.
Special Guests Participate in Lincolnway's Read-In Event!
To kick off Read Across America, Lincolnway Elementary students each invited a special adult to school to participate in a “Read-In.” Everyone had a wonderful time sharing books and taking turns reading! Thank you to all of the "big kids" who came to read with us!
Fun With Our Read Across America Photo Booth at Wallace!
As part of our Read Across America week, students at Wallace Elementary enjoyed some fun time with the photo booth props and 'delicious' green eggs and ham! Thank you to everyone who made this fun and tasty event possible, especially all those who donated the dozens of eggs and ham!
Life-Long Readers at Trimmer!
Ms. Emma Geiger's class at Trimmer Elementary had guest readers for their Read-In during Read Across America. Ms. Geiger and Ms. Casey Landis are thankful to have had parents who read to them when they were young and wanted to share that love of read-alouds with their students. Ms. Geiger and Ms. Landis' parents, Mrs. Natalie Geiger, Mr. Ed Geiger, and Mrs. Jill Brown, read stories to the class. The students then got to participate in a flashlight reading activity around the room.
Sharing and Practicing Our Reading Skills!
On February 29, Ms. Tonia Sallaway's class at Trimmer Elementary visited Ms. Kelley Frey's class at Wallace Elementary to show off their reading skills. Ms. Sallaway's students performed partner plays for the kindergarten and 1st grade students. Then, the Wallace students got to show off their reading skills with a Secret Stories lesson. Recess and a snack were also enjoyed by all! Some of the Trimmer students had the opportunity to say hello to siblings and former teachers.
Inspiring Future Educators!
On Friday, March 1st, several students from the Class of 2025 interested in careers in education attended the first Teacher and School Counselor Summit at Shippensburg University with two of our school counselors, Ms. Kaitlin Mock and Mr. Jason Lyons. Students from various school districts in south central Pennsylvania attended the summit. The students got to tour the Grace B. Lours University Elementary School on campus. Shippensburg University is the only college in Pennsylvania with an elementary school on the campus for K-5 students. There were other various workshops on campus to inspire high schoolers to pursue a field in education. The students that attended the summit are: Tabitha Stone, EJ Washington, Stella Friedah, Noah Steigleman, Ella Schmoyer, Reagan Doll, Maddie Webb, and Alyssa Hedgcock.
Opening Eyes - Vietnam Veteran Shares His Experiences
Vietnam veteran and former WY teacher, Bill Moncuse, visited students in Mr. Daniel Quickel's history class at the High School this week to share his experiences. Mr. Moncuse explained the impact of the Vietnam War on America, and shared his personal story. Included in his presentation were his experiences being drafted, his time in Vietnam, and his life after returning home. Thank you for your service Bill!
MS MathCounts Regional Competition!
Our top nine MathCounts students from the January competition moved on to complete in the Regional MathCounts competition last month at Millersville University. There were 140 students there from schools in Lancaster and York counties. One of our students ranked in the top 20% and our team ranked 6th out of 20 teams! Well done!
MathCounts is one of the clubs available to students at the Middle School.
Students (L-R): Camden Plappert, Kaden Strausbaugh, Eden Reinoso, Mitchell Mummert, Lleven Bray, Luke Van Vorst, Derrick Steele, Mallory Lubas, and Nathan Street.
Typing Masters!
In Ms. Courtney Henry's 4th and 5th grade MATRIX Typing Club keyboarding courses at Trimmer Elementary, the following students have completed their entire pathway, which included over 1,000 lessons! They all greatly improved their speed, accuracy, and muscle memory all while developing a skill that they can use throughout their education and career!
Carter Abreght, Jason Blymire, Liam Bui, Rhoan Celony, Michael Denney, Tristan Hollick, Charlotte Lankford, Kaylee Myers, Grayson Ness-Levia, Reese Price, Rylen Price, Nathan Stewart, Joyce Taylor, Collin Thurlby, and Blakely Watroba.
Pictured are a few of the club members. L-R: Rhoan Celony, Blakely Watroba, Liam Bui, and Tristan Hollick
The Cat Gets a Bigger Hat!
To celebrate Dr. Seuss week at Wallace Elementary, first graders listened to The Cat and the Hat in the library with Ms. Heidi Wolf, and then took on a STEM challenge of trying to build the tallest hat for the cat using only cups and index cards. The tallest hat was 58 inches high! Great job students!
Gavin Myers, Melanie Hernandez, and Bentley Marti
Kylee Michael, Christopher Phillips, and Jay’Diona Abney
Yaseen Madrigal, Alana Hill, and Vera Marks
Where's Ms. Seitz?
Look at all of these smiles! Why might you ask - other than, well, it is lunchtime! But also because Ms. Taylor Schlemmer's class had a special guest join them for lunch - Ms. Briana Seitz, Wallace Elementary Assistant Principal!
2024 Carson Scholarship Recipient!
Congratulations to junior Rowan Dennis who was just notified that she is the winner of a 2024 Carson Scholarship! The Carson Foundation is a non-profit organization that recognizes dedicated students between grades 4-11. Carson Scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service. The Foundation Scholarships "are awarded solely on the basis of academic achievement and humanitarian qualities, without regard to financial need, ethnicity, creed or religion." The award is granted to students who have demonstrated “the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity, and civic responsibility” in their school and the community. In addition to a $1,000 award, Rowan will receive a medallion and attend their awards banquet on Thursday, June 6th.
Rowan is appreciative of the support of her teachers, including Mr. Jason Lyons for nominating her, and Ms. Melissa Carl, Mr. Raul Urrunaga, and Mr. Jeffrey Clapper who each wrote letters of recommendation as part of her scholarship application.
March 8, 2024
9th/10th Grade:
Reagan Hughes
For doing great work in class every day and helping others!
11th/12th Grade:
Christle Wittig
For working hard during class and doing a great job!
Faculty/Staff:
Ms. Amanda Austin
For covering the Counseling Center while a colleague was out for two weeks!
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.
March Important Dates
- Tuesday, March 12, Cocurricular Meeting (5:30 p.m.) DATE CHANGED
- Tuesday, March 12, Work Session of the Board (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, March 14, MS/HS Choral Festival Concert (6:30 p.m.) MS Auditorium
- Friday, March 15, Early Dismissal
- Tuesday, March 19, EPC Meeting (5:30 p.m.) DATE CHANGED
- Tuesday, March 19, Board Voting Meeting (6:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, March 20, Bulldog Pantry Distribution (5:00 p.m.)
- Friday, March 22, Casino Night - Foundation for the WYASD (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, March 28, Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
- Friday, March 29, Spring Break - All Buildings & Grounds Closed
- Monday, April 1, Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
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.
Preschool Storytime at Wallace Elementary
Join us for Preschool Storytime at Wallace Elementary to enjoy First Day Jitters on Friday, March 15th, at 10:00 a.m.! They will enjoy listening to our AWESOME principal, Mr. Jonathan Hoffman, read a story and they will also get to do a story-related STEM activity. This is a great way for your preschooler to become familiar with Wallace Elementary before it is time for kindergarten. This event is for children who will be coming to kindergarten in the the 2024/2025 school year. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required by clicking on the image to the right.
Foundation for WYASD - Casino Night
Tickets Now on Sale!
Casino Night is coming in less than a month! Reserve your tickets at foundation@wyasd.org. Tickets are $50 each or 2 for $90. The Foundation is run by a volunteer board, so 100% of all proceeds go back to teacher grants, student scholarships, and district budget support.
Enjoy dinner, drinks, and small games of chance run by our Shiloh Lion's Club for a chance to win some great raffles and door prizes. Once again, a $500 Hershey Entertainment Gift Card is available to win!
A schedule for the evening is included below. Upon arrival, you receive a healthy quantity of wager chips and have the evening to double or triple their value. Hand those chips in for raffle tickets at the end of the evening for chances at prizes!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
IN AND AROUND THE DISTRICT
Strengthening Families Workshop Series
We are thrilled to be bringing the Strengthening Families Program to our West York community again this year. Hosted at Trimmer Elementary, this program is an effective, dynamic, family-focused prevention program that benefits families with children aged 10 to 14. Free to those who attend, this seven-week program teaches children and their families skills they need to be a stronger, more effective family. The program reinforces the importance of building positive relationships, setting appropriate limits, and following through with consequences. Dinner is also provided at the beginning of each session and free daycare is provided for siblings age 9 and under.
Families who participated in this program last year found great value in the topics and how the program was run, part of the time with parents and children working separately on similar topics and then back together family time.
More details in the flyer linked below. To register, contact Cecilia Keesey at ckeesey@choyork.org or 717-487-7306.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Don't Miss Out!
Calling all Trimmer, Lincolnway and Wallace Families!
Be sure to order your 2023-2024 yearbook! A yearbook gives you a fun way to remember your elementary years as a Bulldog! Place your order online by March 1st. See details below.
Time to Order Your MS or HS Yearbook
Calling all High School and Middle School students!
Don't miss out on ordering your 2023-2024 Yearbook!
The yearbook captures today's memories to enjoy for a lifetime!
Current HIGH SCHOOL price - $80.00
Current MIDDLE SCHOOL price - $35.00
(Prices typically increase as we get closer to the deadline, so don't delay!)
Click the image below to order your yearbook today.
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 (2024 show is fully booked)
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.
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
Get Your Sweet Tooth Ready!
Class of 2025 Fundraiser
The Class of 2025 his hosting a fundraiser for their class - Gardners Candies!
Online ordering is open NOW through March 22nd. It's so easy to order and your order will be shipped directly to your house! Click on the image to the left for ordering details.
Giant Gift Cards PTO Fundraiser
Looking for a convenient and practical way to support the West York Elementary PTO’s fundraising efforts? We have Giant gift cards for sale in various denominations! Simply fill out the form to inquire about purchasing one (or many!) today. They make great gifts or your family grocery shopping maximized!
Middle School PTSO Tumblers Fundraiser
Check out these double-lined, customized tumblers available through the Middle School's PTSO fundraiser. The West York Bulldogs image shown in photo is etched into the tumblers. Choose a 20 oz. tumbler w/slider-lid or a 15 oz. tumbler w/slider-lid and handle - either size for $20/each.
These make great gifts for your favorite Bulldog, student or teacher, or even for yourself! Deadline for orders is March 12th. Orders will be available for pick-up at the Middle School on Monday, April 1st between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. To place an order, for those who do not have a student in the Middle School with an order form, please reach out to Ms. Jennifer McCloskey at McCloskey.Jen78@gmail.com.
Girls on the Run Summer Camp Program
For more information, click the image below or contact Colleen Park at colleen.park@gotrmidstatepa.org.