Blue & White Newsletter - 9/27/24
Week of September 23, 2024
On Wednesday, October 2nd, York County School of Technology (YCST) will visit the Middle School to share with our 8th grade students a presentation on all that YCST offers students for their high school years.
York County School of Technology (YCST) is a comprehensive technical school that offers a well-rounded curriculum. Each student takes traditional academic courses while working toward certifications in their chosen technical area. The goal is to ensure that every graduating student has the flexibility to either enter the job force after high school or has earned the required credits to explore postsecondary opportunities, such as college or a trade school. West York is one of 14 participating schools allowing our students to apply for admission to YCST.
During the presentation, faculty and staff from York Tech will present an overview of the school's programs, the application process, and the admissions timeline, followed by a Q&A session for students. Additionally, information/reminders regarding the application process will be included in the morning announcements and on the Guidance Canvas page.
Please feel free to contact your child's counselor, Mrs. Jessica Oakhem, at jeoakhem@wyasd or 717-845-1671, ext. 3017, with any questions.
Lincolnway Elementary and the High School Bulldog Buddies had their first meeting of the school year! They had some new Bigs and Littles join this year! Students participated in an activity called cross the line, parachute games, and small group discussions. They all had a great time and are excited for their next meeting in October! Click on the Best Buddies image to the left and watch two buddies and their special handshake!
On Monday, November 11th, we will recognize the veterans in our local community. We plan to do this through a Field of Flags fundraising campaign at both the Middle School and the High School. The funds raised will benefit the Disabled American Veterans Organization (DAV).
The campaign coordinators for the High School fundraiser are Ms. Emily Corcoran and Ms. Yvette Ganoe. At the Middle School, Mr. Andrew Johnson and Mr. James Snelbaker are coordinating their fundraiser.
DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, in positive, life-changing ways. DAV ensures veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits they deserve and receive care and support during tough times. DAV also advocates for the veteran community on Capitol Hill, connects veterans with meaningful employment, and so much more.
These are two separate fundraising campaigns, so you may donate to one or both campaigns as you see fit. As we raise money, DAV will send flags to each school to be displayed outside on the lawns. The fundraising campaign ends on October 28th, so do not delay!
Look for our flags starting November 8th in front of the Middle and High Schools.
Donations are online only.
Click HERE to donate to the Middle School Campaign.
Click HERE to donate to the High School Campaign.
Again, all funds donated go directly to the DAV organization to help our nation’s veterans.
Attention Students! Do you want to get paid just for making deposits into your First Capital account? Introducing Bulldog Buck$! This is an exclusive program just for West York Area High School students. Stop into The Bulldog Branch of First Capital Federal Credit Union and pick up a Bulldog Buck$ stamp card. Once you make a deposit of $20.00 or more at the branch or at any First Capital FCU branch, you will get one stamp. After you get 20 stamps on your card, we’ll give you $20.00! So, bring in that cash you’ve been holding onto from Grandma or that check from your after-school job and start earning stamps today! Who doesn't like FREE money?!
We recently shared on Instagram that Mr. Brandon Furhman, Athletic Director, entered the District in the T-Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights Sweepstakes. The prizes are awarded in three rounds: 1st round, $5,000; 2nd round $25,000, and the 3rd (grand prize) round is valued at $2 million!
Out of just over 1,000 high schools entered from across the country, we are happy to announce that we have won $5,000 in the first round!
This is an amazing opportunity for West York and we're encouraging all of our students, staff, families, and fans to show their Bulldog Pride by sharing school spirit photos on Instagram during Friday night football games and tagging @gowybulldogs and T-Mobile @TMobile, along with the #Sweepstakes and #FN5GL, to support and help us become one of the Top 16 finalists!
For more information on the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest, go to www.fridaynight5glights.com.
Also, be sure to follow our Athletic Department Instagram!
Stay tuned to see if we make it to the 2nd round! Click the image above for more information.
A student's high school yearbook is a way to capture all of the amazing memories that students experience during their final years here at West York - home of the Bulldogs!
Purchasing a yearbook early in the school year assures you the best pricing, currently $75, and an item off your "To-Do List" that builds as the end of the school year approaches!
Also available now is the opportunity to place a special message/ad in the yearbook just for your child. More information on this, and all things yearbooks, can be found by visiting the West York page of Jostens website by clicking the image above.
Does your child have signs or symptoms of the flu, Covid or RSV? Did they test positive?
The recommendations are that your child stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication and that they feel good enough to return to school. The CDC also recommends (it is optional) that a mask be worn for 5 days after their return if they tested positive for Covid.
Students who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid do not need to stay home from school unless they come down with symptoms or test positive.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your school nurse.
As a friendly reminder, when your child is absent from school, parents/guardians must complete an Absence Excuse Blank, either a paper copy or by using the online Digital Excuse Blank through the Sapphire Parent Portal. An Absence Excuse Blank must be received within three days of a students return to school following an absence, known as the 3-day rule.
The 3-day rule states "No excuse blanks will be accepted after the third day of the date of return from the absence. The absence will be recorded as unexcused for students 18 years or older. Students under the age of 18 are recorded as unlawful.”
While a paper Absence Excuse Blank can be sent in, they can also be forgotten or lost in transit. The most efficient way to assure the excuse is received within the 3-day rule period is to access the Digital Excuse Blank from the District website or the District App. Directions for both are as follows:
Using Your Computer to Report an Absence
MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence
From the District WEBSITE Home Page
➔ Scroll down to the vertical gray boxes just under the changing highlight pictures at the top of the District website's home page
➔ Click on the Attendance box
➔ Underneath Online Attendance click on Sapphire Community Portal Login
➔ On the login page put in your username and password (this must be set up prior to you using this page)
➔ On the left side is your student(s) name(s)
- If you have multiple students, please make sure you are at the correct student
➔ Under MY BACKPACK click on Student Data Forms (making sure it is the correct student)
➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank
➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form
➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary
Using the District App from Your Cell Phone to Report an Absence
MUST be completed within 3 days of the absence
➔ From the WYASD App Home Page, click on the More waffle icon on the right side of the screen
➔ Click on the Sapphire Portal icon on the right side of the screen
➔ Log in to Sapphire
➔ If you have multiple students, make sure you are in the correct student’s account
➔ At the bottom of the screen there is a purple circle with 3 white lines, click on the circle
➔ Click on the green circle marked Student Data Forms
➔ Underneath On Demand Forms click on Digital Excuse Blank
➔ Fill out the entire form and upload any doctor’s notes into this form
➔ Make sure to click on SUBMIT so your form is sent directly to the attendance secretary
Our West York Area High School's Counseling Center compiles lists of available scholarships as our high school students prepare for their post-secondary educational plans and funding.
An updated list will be posted at the High School as new scholarships become available. Each time the bulletin is revised, it is printed on a different color of paper from the previous bulletin, making it easy to tell when new information has been added.
PLEASE NOTE: The date due is very important. Please have applications submitted to the Counseling Center at least 6 days prior to due date. This allows the Counseling Center staff sufficient time for review of the application and transcript preparation, ensuring that the application is sent out in a timely manner.
All hard copies of scholarship applications are located inside the Counseling Center in the waiting area in the drawer marked SCHOLARSHIPS. The Counseling Center also emails each scholarship and updated bulletin directly to students' school emails.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Gail Wildasin in the Counseling Center.
Penn State Health is hosting RecFest 2024! RecFest was established to address significant challenges that persons with disabilities face, help them to become more socially and physically active, and connect with resources and services in the community. Organizations struggle to reach the people they want to serve, and the general public has limited understanding of the needs and capabilities of persons with disabilities
The Goals of RecFest are to:
- Increase awareness of adaptive sports, recreation and exercise opportunities in our community
- Bring opportunities for participation in adaptive sports, recreation and exercise to improve overall health and quality of life
- Allow for hands-on experience with adaptive equipment
- Have exhibitors available to showcase programs and resources in the community
- Enhance local college programs by giving students an opportunity to volunteer at this event
- Create a platform for research and an opportunity to gather data to assess outcome goals
There are 82 exhibitors and activity demonstrations scheduled to attend this year! Some of these demos are: Adapted cycling; adapted field hockey; adapted tennis; TOP Soccer; power wheelchair soccer; wheelchair basketball; velochairs; wheelchair dance demo at 2:00 pm, and much more!
All are welcome — participants, family, friends and caretakers.
FREE Admission -- FREE Parking!
Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
at Spookynook Sport Complex in Manheim, Pa.
As mentioned in our Secondary Back to School Nights article above, Ms. Zendaida Alicea, Life Skills Instructor with Valley Youth House, attended our Middle School Back to School Night and families were able to learn more about the amazing program they offer.
The session for our Middle School students begins October 9th!
They cover various topics, including:
- Budgeting
- Conflict Resolution
- Relationships Session
- Household Management
- Career Exploration
- Interviewing Skills
- Time Management
- And so much more!
The program runs 10 weeks for students in 8th grade and 15 weeks for students in 9-12 grades. At each session, participants are not only provided with these important life skills in a fun and engaging environment, but also a meal and a chance at a weekly gift card drawing. Transportation can also be available if that is needed.
Participants who complete the program receive a stipend at the end - $200 for the 10-week program and $300 for the 15-week program!
To learn more, including upcoming class dates and times, visit their website at:
https://bit.ly/WYValleyYouthDatesTimes
To sign up, complete their Sign-Up Form available at:
If you are new to West York, you might be saying, "What is a Golden Bulldog Pass?" Exclusively for West York Area School District residents 65 and older, the Golden Bulldog Pass is valid for one admission to all District-sponsored events, including athletic events (excluding playoff events), fine arts events such as concerts, plays, and musicals, and special invitation-only events for senior citizens.
Our annual "Lunch and a Show" is our most popular invitation-only event and seating is limited! So, don't miss out on this and other opportunities! To learn more, please click the Golden Bulldog Pass card to the left.
