Submitted by Mrs. Anne Cook, YSCTC Mobilizer.

The annual York Suburban-Communities That Care Alliance Multicultural Festival was held March 22 at the middle school. Fortunately, the inclement weather eased enough to allow for a great evening! Eleven countries were represented, with tables featuring food and drink samples, photographs, artifacts, ethnic apparel, and more. Community and special-project tables along with many educational and fun activities were also highlighted.  Participants and attendees were encouraged to share their heritage and culture.

YS-CTC, the Multicultural Festival Committee, and the middle school thank all who gave their time to make this a successful event and those who turned out to enjoy it.

Submitted by Mrs. Cindy Eifert

During the month of February, York Suburban Middle School students showed their true heart. Between two events, the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake and the traditional student-staff basketball and cookie bake-off, the YSMS community showed its eagerness to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties.

Middle schoolers dressed as golden trophies, Super Mario characters, and favorite candy bars in the middle of winter can only mean one thing…it’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake time! On Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10, Laser Alleys Bowling Center was taken over by YSMS students, families, and staff participating in the school’s annual event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties. Some came in full costume, others wore spirit wear to display their YS pride, but, regardless of their apparel, the YSMS community came out in full force to raise funds with enthusiasm. This year, over 330 bowlers on 64 teams raised a combined total in excess of $20,000!

Students participating in the event on Friday evening had the option to bowl and also attend a dance at the school hosted by YSMS Student Council. On Saturday, bowlers could choose to participate in laser tag at the bowling alley. Prizes were awarded for top fundraising teams, best costumes, and high fundraising individuals. For over 20 years, YSMS has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters through Bowl for Kids’ Sake, and each year the event sparks student excitement while offering the opportunity to give back to the community. Event co-organizer Anne Perkins sums up the weekend by sharing: “It is amazing to see the incredible effort students, families, and staff put into this event! The costumes they create, the funds they raise, and the pride they show as a school community make all of us very proud to be a part of YSMS and the partnership we have with Big Brothers Big Sisters. We’re already planning for next year!”

The YSMS community was not done yet.  On the evening of February 28, YSMS eighth grade basketball teams took on the YSMS staff in an invigorating and enthusiastic game.  The students came out with an unprecedented victory with a final score of 100 – 66. During the game’s halftime, spectators were able to purchase snacks and taste the culinary treats made by our very own staff.  This year’s cookie bake-off winner was a new entry – sixth-grade teacher Mr. Adam Schimpf. This one evening event raised over $700! All funds raised at this event were donated to Big Brother Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties.  There is no doubt that the YSMS community is very generous.

Submitted by Dr. Brian Ellis

YSHS is quite proud to recognize junior Zoe Prats for our her outstanding performance in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition.   Zoe recently represented YSHS in the state competition in Harrisburg and is our first state qualifier in many years and first since Poetry Out Loud has grown to include many more schools in Pennsylvania.   

Zoe qualified by first winning our school level competition in December and the regional competition at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg in February.   Zoe was required to recite three poems. She chose to recite “Mrs. Caldera’s House of Things” by Gregory Djanikian, “Onions” by William Matthews, and “Chorus Sacerdotum” by Baron Brooke Fulke Greville.

Zoe was interviewed by Maddie Levans ‘18 for an article in the YS Tribune.   You can find out more about Zoe’s experience in the February edition.

This is just one more great recognition for Zoe.  You may recognize her as a past Junior Champion and Senior Reserve Champion at the York County Science Fair as well as a being a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educator Association’s (PMEA) regional orchestra this year!  Congratulations to Zoe!

Submitted by Mrs. Karen Potts

In the spirit of adding the joy back to reading, East York Elementary celebrated Read Across America week!  The East York staff was asked to provide a picture of themselves reading someplace wacky…in a tree, at the grocery store, pumping gas, etc.  Mrs. Stover took all the photos and compiled them into a very entertaining slideshow that teachers shared with their students! Since March 2 was the birthday of Dr. Seuss, East York held spirit days that were bright, wild, and wacky!

Submitted by Jamie Vranich, YSEF Board Member

The York Suburban Education Foundation is honored to be among the 70 organizations throughout South Central Pennsylvania that PeoplesBank supported through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program this year. Since 2010, PeoplesBank has remained committed to partnering with YSEF to do more for York Suburban students. In February, Diane Baker, Chief Operating and Risk Officer and Executive Vice President of PeoplesBank, presented Sarah Reinecker, President of the York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF), with a $10,0000 check that will support the district-wide Learning Commons strategic initiative to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) concepts into the York Suburban curriculum at all learning levels.

Visit YSEF.org for more information on grants in action and to see how YOU can support these programs! 

Submitted by Mrs. Ashley Markey

March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation.

MIOSM began as a single statewide celebration in 1973 and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, then a week, and then in 1985 to become a month-long celebration of school music. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that schools are where all children should have access to music.  MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

The celebration continues to grow each year, reaching more and more students, teachers, musicians, and music supporters. Schools and communities throughout the country and overseas celebrate MIOSM with concerts and other activities based on the year’s theme. Classrooms, concert halls, civic buildings, clubs, parks, libraries, and shopping malls are just some of the arenas in which the public can observe the processes and results of music education.

For more information on MIOSM, follow the link below!  

http://www.nafme.org/programs/miosm/music-in-our-schools-month-miosm/

Submitted by Mrs. Kathy Pavoncello

Yorkshire Elementary students spent the final days of February celebrating Read Across America Week. Each day presented a new opportunity to dress in a way relating to a Dr. Seuss book theme. One day was dedicated to The Sneetches, allowing students and staff to dress in bright neon colors, and use their creativity to express individual uniqueness.  Another day was dedicated to random acts of kindness, modeling Horton in Horton Hears a Who and Horton Lays an Egg. Of course, Wacky Wednesday was great fun with all of the mismatched outfits and crazy hair! Animals were on parade, via shirts, socks, and even costumes to celebrate the book, If I Ran the Zoo. Finally, the week culminated in the big celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Red and white stripes were everywhere that day, as a nod to The Cat in the Cat.  Yorkie Bear and Queen Bee paid a visit to share the concept of “Drop Everything And Read” and sing “Dr. Seuss. We Love You”! What a fun Seussical Week, indeed!