Traditions run deep at York Central School and one of the relatively recent traditions that happens every December is called Project Elf.
Project Elf is a program that connects High School Seniors with a kindergarten student. It started in 2012, making this year’s Juniors, the first group of kindergarteners to have participated in Project Elf, said High School English teacher Ryan Conway, who heads the project each year for the Seniors.
“ Next year will be extra special as the project will have come full circle,” he commented.
Participation in Project Elf is voluntary for the Seniors, but each year nearly every Senior is excited to play Elf for their kindergarten student. Mr. Conway says there is no cost for the Seniors to play Elf due to generous donations from the York Elementary School PTO, and his own mother, Conni, who does a lot of the preparation work.
Over several weeks, the Seniors work to make a fleece blanket for their kindergarten match. They also choose a book to purchase and present to their kindergartener, along with their blanket. On the last day of school before winter recess, a really special meet-up takes place in the elementary school library. This is the day when each kindergarten student meets their Senior match and receives their blanket and book.
The matches are given time to get to know one another. The Seniors read the book they gave the kindergarteners as the young ones enjoy cozying up with their new blankets.
Later, the fun continues into the classrooms as the Seniors do holiday -themed activities with the kindergarteners.
Words cannot describe the joy that is evident in the smiles of both the Seniors and the young students.
Everyone involved in Project Elf is very proud of this tradition. YCS takes great pride in the connections they have with each other and the community. Just ask a Junior who was once that little kindergartener who received a blanket, a book, and a morning of connection with a Senior back in 2012.
Come out to support your York Golden Knights Girls and Boys Basketball team in the annual Cal-Mum Basketball Tournament, Friday and Saturday, December 27 & 28.
First round games are as follows on Friday: (Saturday finals TBD, check R schools online)
11:30 AM - Boys JV vs. Wheatland-Chili
12:30 PM - Girls JV vs. Oakfield-Alabama
2:30 PM - Boys Varsity vs. Wheatland-Chili
5:30 PM - Girls Varsity vs. Oakfield-Alabama
On December 13, 2024, five York Central School alumni were inducted into the All Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, the York-Leicester Recreation Department was recognized for continually providing a range of exceptional programs for youth.
Inductees to the York Central School All -Sports Hall of Fame are selected from the nominations submitted to the Hall of Fame Committee. Future nominations are encouraged and can be made by visiting the YCS website to download a nomination form (www.yorkcsd.org and click on the Athletics tab).
Read the full story on our website at:
https://www.yorkcsd.org/article/1940392
Congratulations to the 2024 YCA All-Sports Hall of Fame!
Tracy Peglowski, David Turbury, Tabetha Torrens, Andy Englert, Sarah Deuel-Rust, and the York-Leicester Recreation Department.
Please join us in celebrating the November 2024 Knights of Recognition:
Tara Scott’s K-3 Class (Tara Scott, Madeline Fox, Lourdes Colon, and Erin Fox)
“This amazing team really knows how to prepare, challenge, and inspire their students. They work together to create fun lessons that meet everyone's needs and always encourage students to step out of their comfort zones. Their positive vibes and teamwork not only lift their students, but also inspire others like myself in the school. They truly make a difference!”
James Kane - Buildings & Grounds
“Jim Kane always stepps up to whatever it may be that he is needed. He helps out with maintenance, grounds, deliveries, cleanups and more. Jim is able to complete a wide variety of tasks throughout the work day. Thanks, Jim for all that you do at York CS and over 20 years working at the district!”
Shantal Herrera
“She's always there for my children and helps them so much.”
York Central School is hiring!
Are you an Elementary School or Earth Science Teacher?
YCSD offers strong benefits, regionally competitive salary, and a great atmosphere!
Apply today - visit our website at www.yorkcsd.org and click on the Employment Opportunities tab in the top right corner.
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York Elementary School PTO wishes to thank everyone who supported the Holiday Shoppe.
It's a joy to help our students learn the joy of giving!
High School students learned about careers in the nursing field and practiced some hands-on resuscitation techniques at this week's Lunch-and-Learn.
Donna Ferguson and Jennifer Ornt from UR Medicine offered valuable insights into the many options that nursing careers offer.
Called Lunch-and-Learns - the presentations are offered by career professionals during the high school lunch periods. Students are encouraged to attend to learn about a specific career.
High School Teacher Mr. Bill MacKenzie facilitates Lunch-and-Learn opportunities throughout the school year.
Making holiday memories - another fun day in first grade !
Check out the great holiday decorations the students created.
The first grade teachers wish to thank the many family volunteers who helped make this day so memorable for the students!
YCS Food Service Director Laurie Cutcliffe appreciates serving the students foods that are locally produced.
She recently formed a partnership with Happy Farms of Wyoming and today our students enjoyed the rich deliciousness of their real maple syrup. It was breakfast for lunch today-a favorite menu item at both the elementary and middle/high school cafeterias.
Cafeteria workers Barb and Wendy drizzled the fresh maple syrup over the French toast sticks for each student.
In addition to the benefits of feeding our students locally sourced foods and products, the classroom component is beneficial as well. Teachers include lessons in agriculture and production, Mrs. Cutcliffe said.
We proudly introduce the Section Five 2024 Varsity Football All- Stars from the York/Pavilion team!
Congratulations to:
Sophomore Yeriel Diaz-Pena RB/DB
Sophomore Trent Englert OB/LB
Junior Kasey Coffey OL/DL
Junior Liam Campbell WR/DB
The Winter Sports Season is in full swing!
Don't miss the action - follow your Golden Knights!
Up to the minute sports schedules at www.yorkcsd.org (click the Athletics Icon).
December 17, 2024
Swimming/Diving @YCS, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball @YCS, 5 p.m.
Riflery @Pavilion/York, 5 p.m.
December 18, 2024
Girls Basketball @Letchworth, 5:30 p.m.
Wrestling @Pavilion, 6 p.m.
December 19, 2024
Indoor T&F @Houghton College, 5 p.m.
Swimming/Diving @YCS, 5 p.m.
December 20, 2024
Girls Basketball @YCS, 6 p.m.
Ice Hockety (Livingston Lakers) TBA
December 21, 2024
Swimming/Diving @YCS 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball @YCS, 1 p.m.
Ice Hockey @Anthony Crisafulli, 3:15 p.m.
Congratulations to York High School Freshman Bailey Orman on being named to the Democrat & Chronicle’s All Greater Rochester Girls Small School Volleyball team!
Bailey is an outside hitter for the Golden Knights with an impressive 19-kill game and a total of 233 kills in the 2024 season.
Bailey is the daughter of Ed and Molly Orman.
Congratulations to you, Bailey.
Four more days until winter recess!
Staff and students are showing off their holiday spirit!
As we celebrate each day of this week with a theme, tomorrow students and staff should wear red or green.
Are you a Santa or a Grinch?
When your parent/grandparent works at YCS and is your bus driver, you are always on time for school!
Good morning from YCS - Home of the Golden Knights!
Please join us tonight for the Sixth Annual All Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will take place between the JV and Varsity Basketball game vs. Mount Morris - approximately 6:30 p.m.
Congratulations to the 2024 All Sports Hall of Fame Inductees!
Tracy Peglowski - Special Contributor
David Turbury - Class of 1984
Tabetha Torrens - Class of 2006
Andy Englert - Class of 1991
Sarah Deuel - Class of 1997
Important date and time changes for next Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The HS Winter Concert has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
Sports will start earlier on December 17.
Swim at 4:30 p.m.
JV Basketball @ 5 p.m.
Varsity Basketball @6:30 p.m.
York Elementary School PTO Holiday Shoppe - Friday , Monday & Tuesday
December 13, 16 & 17, 2024
Due to the snow day, the PTO Holiday Shoppe will add Tuesday, December 17!
SNOW DAY! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024
SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
PLEASE BE SAFE AND STAY WARM!
Today, Superintendent David Furletti joined area school superintendents at a legislative forum with Senator Pam Helming, NY 54th District. Caledonia-Mumford Central School hosted the forum.
Among the many topics school leaders and the Senator discussed were educational and funding challenges facing small rural schools.
Monday, December 9, 2024, our Middle School musicians and vocalists performed their winter concert.
The audience enjoyed an evening of wonderful song! Enjoy this photo gallery from the concert.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7t6EcqEJ39JPcE6z8
