Dayspring Beacon

Updated March 9, 2026

Upcoming Events

This week’s Cycle Days for US:
Monday – Day 4
Tuesday – Day 5
Wednesday – Day 6
Thursday – Day 1

Upcoming Events:
3/10/2026 – Cairn Fine Arts Festival
3/12/2026 – All School Open House and Upper School Project Fair
3/13/2026 – No School
3/19/2026 – Kindergarten Testing
3/20/2026 – Parent Prayer, 8:00 a.m.
3/24/2026 – Last Day of Quarter 3
3/26-3/29/2026 – Upper School Musical
3/26/2026 – DDZ (Dayspring Discovery Zone), 9:30 a.m.
3/27/2026 – Upper School Flex Friday
3/27/2026 – Parent Prayer 8:00 a.m.

All School Open House

On Thursday, March 12, Dayspring proudly hosts its annual All School Open House—your chance to invite future Warriors (friends, neighbors, and family!) to experience Dayspring firsthand. Guests will meet our teachers, explore classrooms, and check out the impressive work on display at the Upper School Project Fair. It’s a great opportunity to share what makes Dayspring special!

Tour our campus anytime between 6 and 8 p.m.—explore on your own or check in to be paired with a tour guide. Along the way, don’t miss the mini-lessons, hear from our guest orator, and be sure to stop by some of the exciting displays showcased throughout the building.

For more information, contact Karol Hasting by phone at 717-285-2000, x206, by email at khasting@dayspringchristian.com, or stop by when you’re in the building.

Project Fair Information and Instructions

The 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Project Fair will take place in the auditorium during the Open House this Thursday, March 16. The fair will consist of projects in chemistry, other sciences, art, and history as well as the “Creation Evidences Museum.” All are invited and encouraged to come and view the displays.

Project Fair Set Up and Tear Down Instructions for 9th, 10th, and 11th Grades:

– Students, when you arrive at school on Thursday, March 12, take your project immediately to the auditorium.
– You will receive a number with a corresponding sticker to display your project.
– Tenth-graders, remember that your name should not appear on your backboard or the binder of your project.
– If you have already turned in any items to your teacher or adviser, follow their instructions on obtaining those items for display.
– Make sure you have everything you will need in school to set up your display. All projects in the auditorium must be displayed by 8 a.m. sharp. The auditorium will be open for set up from 7:00-8:00 a.m.
– No students or parents will be permitted after 8am. Please make any transportation arrangements necessary for transporting your project to school before 7:50 a.m.
– Once your display is set up, proceed to your homeroom. Do not remain in the auditorium. There will be opportunity to see the projects at another time.

Please Note: Project Fair participants are to remove their projects after the open house at 8 p.m. Please make the needed arrangements to take it home that night. School will be closed on Friday, March 13.

If you have questions, speak to your teacher or adviser ASAP. Students should not wait until Wednesday to approach their adviser with questions.

No School

Reminder: There is no school this Friday, March 13!

"Pilgrim: Her Story"

Discover the timeless journey of faith in a fresh light with “Pilgrim: Her Story,” an inspiring musical adaptation of John Bunyan’s classic “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Follow Christian, a courageous young woman, as she leaves the City of Destruction behind, facing trials, temptations, and triumphs on her path to the Celestial City. This uplifting production explores themes of repentance, friendship, and eternity through captivating songs and powerful storytelling. Don’t miss this family-friendly show – perfect for sparking meaningful discussions in our school community!

Show dates are Friday, March 27 (7:00 p.m.); Saturday, March 28 (2:00 and 7:00 p.m.); and Sunday, March 29 (2:00 p.m.). A pay-what-you-will option is available for the matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets are available on the Dayspring website or by clicking here!

High School Course Selection

The 2026-2027 HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION LAUNCH will occur next week for students currently in grades 8-11. Donna Hurley, director of curriculum and instruction, will email the simplified instructions, overviews, and links to next year’s high school students and their parent(s) on Monday, 3/16. Course selection is an exciting time of high school preparation, so plan some time in your calendars now to look ahead together to next year! The deadline for course selection completion is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1.

The 3/16 email will include the following:

1. The High School Course Planner instructions
2. The High School Course Catalog
3. Honors Course Overview
4. Honors High School Program Overview
5. High School Course Selection Planning Guide
6. An FAQ specific to each grade level

Spring Sub Sale

Spring Sub Sale
Sub Delivery Day is Thursday, April 30. The spring sale will be from R&K Subs and will be picked up at Dayspring Christian Academy at either 8 a.m. or 3 p.m. Please indicate your pickup time on your sub sale form. We encourage as many parents as possible to pick up their subs in the morning, as limited refrigerator space is available.

Proceeds from the sub sale benefit DCA athletic programs. An order form can be found below. Orders are due the morning of Wednesday, April 22. Payment is required along with each order form. Don’t forget to ask businesses, as many will purchase subs or pretzel sandwiches for their employees. Questions may be directed to Daryn Vinson at dvinson@dayspringchristian.com.

Sub Sale Order Form

Sub Day Lunch
Students have the opportunity to purchase a sub for lunch on sub day, Thursday, April 30. Please note that third-grade will be on their Plymouth field study. Meatball subs will NOT be offered on this day. All sub lunches must be placed online (this option will be available on the website later this week), not on the sub sale order form. These orders must be placed by the end of the school day on Monday, April 21.

Remember America Speaker Series - Sponsorships, Tickets Now Available

Dayspring Christian Academy is pleased to announce its lineup for the 2026 Remember America Speaker Series. Bill Federer, renowned historian and president of Amerisearch Inc.; Andrew Kolvet, Turning Point USA, executive producer of the Charlie Kirk Show and president of ATK Media; and Allie Beth Stuckey, conservative commentator, podcaster and author, will headline the 16th annual Remember America Speaker Series on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

This year, our 16th event, will focus on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the theme: “We Hold These Truths: Faith that Gave Birth To a Nation. ‘Then you will know the truth , and the truth will set you free.’ John 8:32.” We hope our audience will be inspired by the reminders of our godly heritage and challenged to do their part as the Christian citizens of today.

Tickets are now available for the event by clicking here. And sponsorship information, including table sponsorships, can be found here. You may also call Mickey Forry for tickets at ext. 205 and Sarah Dillon for sponsorships at ext. 211.

Athletics News

Thank you to all of the students, staff, faculty, and families who cheered on the Varsity Boys Basketball team. The team played a great game to finish off the most successful season of any Dayspring basketball team to date. A special thank you to Mr. Fannin and Mr. Valverde for helping to create a special memory with a police and fire escort!

Middle School and Varsity Track & Field practices continue this week. Please contact Varsity Coach Tanner Hilton (tannerscotthilton@gmail.com) or Middle School Coach Rachel Carter (rcarter@daysringchristian.com), or contact them on SportsYou, with any questions or if your child is not able to attend a practice. Schedules can be found on SportsYou.

We are considering offering an opportunity for Dayspring students in Kdg-6th grade to participate in Lower School Volleyball this spring. The season will most likely start in April and run through mid May, likely involving a weeknight practice and Saturday morning opportunities to play. If your Kdg-6th grade child may be interested in participating, please email me at dvinson@dayspringchristian.com with your child’s name and grade today! Please also indicate if you would be willing to serve as a parent volunteer.

The Spring Sub Sale is underway. Forms are available at the front desk or here in the Beacon. Orders are due on 4/22. Sandwiches will be delivered on 4/30. Please indicate whether sandwiches will be picked up at 8:00am or at 3:00pm. Extra sandwiches will not be available for purchase at lunch on 4/30, so please order ahead!

School Lunches

March Lunches:

Please note that if there is a delay, no hot lunches are served, and students must pack a lunch. Also, please note that if students have field studies over lunch periods, they must pack a lunch if a buying option is not available at their destination.

Monday – Pizza: 3/16, 3/23, 3/30
Tuesday – Walking Tacos: 3/10, 3/17, 3/24
Wednesday – Chicken Nuggets: 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
Thursday – Meatball Sub: 3/19, 3/26 (no hot lunch offered 3/12 due to Project Fair)
Friday – Hot dog: 3/20, 3/27

Discounted Hersheypark Tickets

Again this year, DCA is selling discounted Hersheypark tickets (52% off!) good for any operational day between April 3, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Get a fantastic deal on these tickets and support Dayspring Christian Academy at the same time! Dayspring receives a blessing from Hersheypark for every ten tickets we sell at this discounted rate. These discounted tickets are available to you and your friends, so spread the word! The order deadline is April 23rd, and orders are being accepted now! View the order form here: https://www.dayspringchristian.com/product/discount-hersheypark-tickets/

Order through the Dayspring Christian Academy website or call the Business Office to order with a credit card. Questions? Contact John Riddell at jriddell@dayspringchristian.com or call 717-285-2000, ext. 214.

Free Passes to Urban Air

Winners of the drawing for free Urban Air passes include the following:

Dorothy Kauffman-Jobira
April Burnham
Marlene Lapp
Lauren Hubbard
Laura Wright
Rachel Sanchez
Milmarys Mojica
Courtney Mallon

We will send the passes home with the youngest student in your family on Wednesday. If you would like to arrange for a different option, contact Candace Engle at cengle@dayspringchristian.com.

Guidance Office

For more information on the following topics, please click the “Read More” button.
– Messiah College Camps
– U.S. Military Academies
– LBC Open House
– Free Christian College Fair
– Christian Connector Christian Colleges Scholarship Drawing
– Counseling Opportunities
– Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
– Transcript Requests
– General Questions

Messiah College Camps – Want to learn more about Psychology? Filmmaking? Writing or Cyber Security? Messiah University is offering both day and overnight camps this summer. See Mrs. Gainer for more information.

U.S. Military Academies – If you have any interest in attending one of the United States Military Academies, Congressman LLoyd Smucker will be holding informational Academy Night for local students on April 16th. Please see Mrs. Gainer for more information.

LBC Open House: Dayspring high school students are invited to Experience Different with Lancaster Bible College firsthand at their remaining Spring Open House on April 10. These events are a great way for students to explore the campus, meet faculty, learn about programs, and discover how LBC can prepare them for a purposeful future.

Free Christian College Fair – Coventry Christian is holding a FREE Christian College Fair on Tuesday, March 10, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. There are over 20 Christian colleges and universities that will be in attendance. See Mrs. Gainer if you have any questions.

Christian Connector – Click on this link to connect with hundreds of Christian colleges and complete the form to receive information from them and enter the $5,000 Christian college scholarship drawing. The Christian Connector, as well as those schools that you request information from, will receive your information so they can respond and meet your information request. Students must be at least 13 years old to complete our forms.

Counseling Opportunities – As stated during our Back to School Night parent meeting, Dayspring is pleased to be able to help with an arrangement for professional Christian counselors here at school. Mrs. Dannel Wissler of Willow Oaks Counseling and Mrs. Abby Foster with Lancaster Therapy Center have agreed to be a resource for DCA students. Our goal is to provide a space during the school day for upper school students to receive counseling. Parents will work directly with Mrs. Wissler and Mrs. Foster, and DCA will make every effort to facilitate the location and time. Mrs.Wissler will provide times of availability at Dayspring on Fridays. Mrs. Foster does online sessions only, but DCA will try to work with your child’s schedule to find a private room during the school day for sessions. For more information or to make arrangements, please contact Mrs. Gainer (Guidance Director) or Mr. Lewis (Spiritual Life Director).

Another counseling opportunity available is with Sit With Me Mental Health Coaching Services with Emily Hilton. At Sit With Me Mental Health Coaching Services, our mission is to walk alongside individuals in every stage of life by offering authentic support, active listening, and purposeful guidance-helping each person thrive in alignment with who God has created them to be. One-on-one mental health coaching focused on emotional support and spiritual guidance; personalized goal setting; deep, judgment-free listening; accountability and encouragement; and growth rooted in faith and personal values are offered in a non-clinical, coaching-based model focused on growth, not diagnosis, for males ages 4-14 and females ages 4 and up. To learn more, email sitwithmecoaching@gmail.com.

Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program – This program created by Senate Republicans as part of this year’s state budget – offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants is open now, with funding awarded on a first come, first served basis.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment.

Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Learn more or apply here.

Transcript Requests: If you need a transcript for any reason, please fill out a transcript request form online under the Guidance Tab. Requests will be sent out within 3 business days.

General Guidance Questions: If any student or parent has a question concerning AP (Advanced Placement) or DE (Dual Enrollment) classes, please direct those questions to Mrs. Hurley, Director of Curriculum, at dhurley@dayspringchristian.com. Any questions concerning transcripts, PSAT, SAT, or ACT, the college admission process, or other guidance related issues should come to Mrs. Gainer, Guidance Director, at kgainer@dayspringchristian.com.

DCA Recurrent References

Some of the recurrent Beacon items will now be located under this section. Click on the “Read More” button to see details about the following:
– Inclement Weather Procedures
-DCA Home Technology Guide
-2025-26 School Calendar (Date changes made for senior thesis defense, finals; dates added for 10th grade field study to D.C.)
-DCA Referral Program
-DCA Yearbook Sales
-DCA Amazon Wish List
-DCA Family Business Directory

Inclement Weather Procedures: When a weather situation occurs, the school administration will make a dismissal decision as quickly and efficiently as possible based on weather conditions/forecasts and the public school transportation situation. When a decision has been made it will be placed on the Dayspring website on the home page as well as on the local television and Christian radio stations (WGAL, WDAC, and WJTL). You will also receive a message through our parent alert system (see instructions above).

Lunches on a Two-Hour Delay: When we have a two-hour delay, no hot lunches are served. Students must bring a packed lunch.

Information for public school bus riders: If your child rides a bus from another district and that district has a delay that is different than that of Dayspring, simply follow the delay of your transportation provider. If your child rides a bus from a district that closes school when Dayspring remains open, or has a delay when Dayspring opens at the normal time, you should try to have your children here if it is safe to do so. If you do not have transportation, the absence will be excused, however, we do ask that you call or email the office to inform them of that decision so that the attendance can be marked appropriately.

In the case of an unexpected early dismissal (such as weather), all students who normally ride a bus home will be put on the bus unless we hear from the parent with a change in transportation. If after school activities (such as sports, musical practice, etc.) are cancelled, those bus students will also be put on the bus. This will apply even if your district is dismissing early and Dayspring remains in session. Please make sure that you have signed up to receive notifications from your home district so that you are notified should they be having an early dismissal.

After School Programs During Weather Conditions: After School Program: Please note that if Dayspring has an early dismissal, the After School program will be canceled. Also, should it be snowing at a normal dismissal time, it may also require us to cancel the After School program, depending on conditions. If we find that necessary, we would send an alert out several hours in advance.

DCA Technology Guide: Attached is a technology guide which will answer many of your questions on how to set up your accounts for Google Classroom, FACTS Family Portal, and the SchoolPass App. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Adam Gregory at agregory@dayspringchristian.com.
DCA Home Technology Guide

2025-26 School Calendar: Please note that we will announce any date changes to the calendar here: 2025-2026 Parent Version.docx

DCA Referral Program: As we seek to continue to grow our enrollment and increase the number of students who receive a Principle Approach education, we are asking you as parents for help. Word of mouth is still the best way for people to learn about Dayspring, and you can be our biggest advocates. To that end, Dayspring brought back its Referral Program.

If you refer a family to Dayspring for first through twelfth grade, you will receive $1,000 off your family’s tuition when they successfully enroll at least one full-time student. For successful kindergarten enrollment referrals, you will receive $500 off your family’s tuition. Let’s spread the word about how special our school is and get as many students into our seats as possible.

Use this form to submit a referral.

DCA Yearbook Sales: An exciting change is coming this year for the DCA yearbook. We will be working directly with our yearbook publishing company, Jostens, to handle all orders, which will simplify the process. All families will receive a flyer with a QR code that leads to the ordering link to reserve your child’s yearbook or you can use this link. The QR code is also displayed on signage in the lobby of the school.

Please note: The cost of the yearbook will now follow a staggered price system. This means if you buy early, you get the lowest price, $50. The price will increase two times as the year progresses, ending at $60. This allows for better planning regarding order numbers and also lessens the stress of last-minute orders in the spring.

The Jostens website will give you all the information you need, providing updates on sales and specials, as well as offering free payment plans for purchases of $30 or more. Please be sure to check the Beacon for yearbook sales updates. The current sale offers yearbooks at the lowest price of the year – $50 – plus any student that adds the name stamp/imprint option to their book for $10 gets up to four free icons on that book. This offer ends on Friday, Sept. 12. If you have any questions about yearbook updates, please email Casey Vinson at cvinson@dayspringchristian.com.

DCA Amazon Wish List: Are you looking for a way to bless your child’s teacher and classroom this Thanksgiving season? Visit Dayspring’s Amazon Wish List to see items our teachers have requested to enhance their classrooms—you may find the perfect way to share a special blessing! Dayspring Christian Academy’s Wish List

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Dillon at sdillon@dayspringchristian.com or 717-285-2000 ext. 211. Thank you in advance for your generous support of our teachers and their classrooms!

DCA Family Business Directory: We are pleased to provide a directory of businesses that are owned by Dayspring families and employees. If you are in need of goods and services, we sincerely hope that you will consult the directory as needed: https://www.dayspringchristian.com/family-business-directory/

Tech and Teens

The Center for Parent and Youth Understanding in Elizabethtown, directed by Walt Mueller, aims to help parents understand kids and teens and their world. Here is a link to their March Newsletter.

Community Events

3/14/26: Oz-tastic Mini-Camp
3/15/26 (registration deadline): Exelon Foundation STEM Academy
3/17/2026: Creation Forum
3/21/2026: Uplifting Music at New Danville Bible Methodist Church
7/3/2026: Celebrate America 250 at The Barn at Paradise Station

Oz-tastic Mini Camp: The last Mini Camp of the season will be Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to noon in the DCA auditorium. Participants will sing, dance, act, and craft. Register by March 11. Bring a first-time friend for only $10. Go to sopranojamstudio.com/minicamp for details and registration.

Exelon Foundation STEM Academy: The NEED Project is excited to partner with the Exelon Foundation to bring two great opportunities to students in the PECO service area, open to current 10th- and 11th-graders interested in STEM, energy, and sustainability.

Exelon Foundation STEM Academy (for girls)

Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy

August 2-7, 2026
Saint Joseph’s University

Applications Due March 15th
(This is a competitive application process; all applications will be reviewed after the March 15th deadline.)

Creation Forum: Tuesday, March 17, “Mysteries of Animal Navigation” by Art Manning will be presented Tuesday, March 17, at the Lancaster Farm & Home Center, 6:30-8 p.m. Our guest speaker will be one of the original board members for ISBR, Art Manning. The amazing abilities of a wide range of animals to successfully navigate long distances has perplexed scientists for ages. But these programmed, inherited instincts are even more astounding now that we’re finally learning how they do it. There will be opportunities during the presentation for everyone in the audience – even children – to get involved.

Uplifting Music at New Danville Bible Methodist Church: On Saturday, March 21, New Danville Bible Methodist Church, 4 Kay Drive, Lancaster, will host a special singing event. All are welcome for an evening of uplifting music and fellowship from 6 to 8 p.m. An offering will be taken to support Bible teachers in Suriname.

Celebrate America 250: Calling PATRIOTIC SINGERS ages 7-12! Julie Stone, singing teacher and vocal coach, is collaborating with “Celebrate America 250” at The Barn at Paradise Station to put together a children’s choir for their fireworks and musical spectacular on July 3, 2026, and who better than the patriotic kids of DCA to represent! Please apply by requesting information at sopranojam@gmail.com.

Summer Camp Opportunities at Dayspring

Creative Arts Camp
Mrs. Bonnie Lucas will once again offer this very popular camp. Creative Art Camp is a mixture of fine art skills and crafting as campers experience a variety of art media and techniques. Projects are more in-depth than in school art class. The atmosphere is relaxed, positive, and fun. Camp dates are either July 13-17 and July 20-24. All camps will run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. A minimum of 5 participants will be required to hold the camp and will be considered at capacity at 15. If you are considering one of these dates, please do not hesitate, as they have filled up quickly in past years. If a camp does not have the minimum of 5 participants by June 15, we will cancel that particular week. This camp is open to students entering grades 1-8 and cost $185 per student. To register, please click here. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Lucas at blblucas320@gmail.com.

Got Uke? Summer Ukulele Camp
Mrs. Sally Armstrong will hold the ever popular Ukulele camp June 22-26, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This camp is for beginner and intermediate ukulele players entering grades 1-8. Campers will build and decorate their own ukuleles to keep and will learn the basics of playing. A camp shirt, snacks, games, and a culminating concert with “Phredd” from WJTL are all part of this exciting camp! Repeat campers are welcome! The cost for this camp is $250 per student with a sibling discount available. To register and for more information, please click here.

Piano Express Camp
Sopranojam Music Studio will offer Piano Express Camp June 29- July 3, 2026. Students will learn 20 songs or more in 1 week and finish a beginner level in only 5 days, making serious progress in a short amount of time! Piano Express Camp is the perfect “test drive” for new students and a great summer intensive for students who already play! Learn more at sopranojamstudio.com.

March Bible Memory

The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-12
Grades K-5: verses 3-9
Grades 6-12: verses 3-12

3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Bold. Distinctive. Biblical.