Submitted by Mrs. Kathy Pavoncello

Yorkshire takes pride in the importance of “tradition.” It garners respect, acknowledgement, and expectation – especially when those traditions are carried out in a fun way. One such tradition starts each school year as our students work hard to learn and follow the Four Bee Rules: “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be A Worker and Be a Friend.” In celebration of learning these important concepts each year, our young friends bring their own teddy bears or other stuffed animals to school for one special day. Yorkie Bear and Dr. Stoltz lead the classes as they parade the grounds of Yorkshire to the sounds of the York Suburban Middle School marching band and color guard. After the parade, the band plays a few songs and middle school cheerleaders teach the students, staff, and parents some rousing cheers.

Another fun tradition stems from the collective act of giving. Our invaluable Yorkshire Parent Teacher Organization(PTO) hosts several fundraising events throughout the year. These events help to raise funds which benefit our students by paying for various assemblies, Yorkshire t-shirts for each student, and many other expenses. The annual Dance-A-Thon is by far the PTO’s grandest fundraiser. Paid for solely through generous contributions of Yorkshire families and friends, the event features a school-wide dance party each October. Yorkshire truly comes alive as Yorkie Bear joins the students on the gymnasium “dance floor,” along with teachers, parents, and Dr. Stoltz. Lots of lights, music, and endless smiles make the day very special for everyone!

Submitted by Megan Ambrose, YSEF Administrative Coordinator

With corporate funds donated through the Pennsylvania State Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and a generous donation from a York Suburban alumnus, York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF)  has awarded $40,000 in support of the York Suburban School District’s recently developed vision to implement a plan to guide a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) initiative. The district is implementing STEAM programming from kindergarten through grade 12. STEAM promotes inquiry and project-based learning, collaborative learning, critical thinking skills, innovation and creativity. From incorporating coding, engineering, and design into kindergarten lessons to enhancing STEAM labs in the high school to transforming the middle and high school libraries into flexible learning spaces that allows for collaboration and exploration, the collective “York Suburban Learning Commons” grant reinforces the district’s dedication to maintain academic rigor and develop problem solving skills. The grant will allow middle school students to take part in the research, design, and construction of an outdoor learning space. This green space will provide students with the opportunity to experiment with alternative energy resources as well as create sustainable resources for the school. A gardening area will be used to grow vegetables for use in different classes, a vermicompositing area will be used to recycle cafeteria waste and rain barrels will be set up to harvest water. Other areas will be designed to use for all classroom disciplines. This creative project will engage these young learners in the practical application of meaningful thought. Follow YSEF on Facebook to hear what the students have to say about this grant.

Submitted by Donna Biser

The Dragon Friends Club of East York Elementary held a coin drive to raise money for victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Building principal, Dr. Fuhrman, challenged the students to raise $300, and if they achieved the goal she would take a pie to her face.  The students of East York exceeded their goal and together they raised a total of $654.55.  On September 30, the total amount was revealed at an assembly where Dr. Fuhrman and three other staff members Amy Valdez, Jess Barley, and Karen Potts all took a pie to the face!  The money that was raised will be sent to three separate organizations to help the people of Houston, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

Submitted by Mr. Jeffrey Ohl

On November 2, some Spanish classes at the middle school recently discussed the Mexican holiday that is becoming more popular, The Day of the Dead. It sounds like a scary or sad holiday, but it is actually one of joy and remembrance. Some students made some Day of the Dead treats to share while we talked about and watched a video about the holiday. The holiday actually runs from October 31 to November 2.  A video clip provides more background. Be sure to catch the new movie “Coco” coming out at the end of November. It’s about a boy that experiences the other side of The Day of the Dead.

 

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