Dayspring Beacon

Updated February 17, 2026

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events:
2/19/2026 – Kindergarten Testing
2/19/2026 – Mathletics: Mount Calvary Christian School
2/20/2026 – Parent Prayer, 8 a.m. at DCA
2/20/2026 – Spirit Wear Day (see Athletics News for details)
2/23/2026 – Lower School Speech Meet
2/26/2026 – Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30)
2/26/2026 – DDZ (Dayspring Discovery Zone)
2/26/2026 – Spring Sports Parents Meeting 6:30 p.m.
2/27/2026 – Parent Prayer, 8 a.m. at DCA
2/27/2026 – Upper School Flex Friday

Towne Meeting Survey

We recently had the opportunity to gather as a school community at the Towne Meeting. To help us ensure these gatherings remain meaningful and worth your valuable time, we invite you to complete this very brief survey, whether or not you were able to attend this year. Your feedback will help us to understand what resonated with you and where we can improve the experience for future events. Thank you!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, February 26, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. While this conference is optional (unless requested by a teacher), all parents are welcome to sign up for a conference time. Please note that times are VERY limited. Please be sure to choose the correct tab for the teacher you desire to meet with. If you desire to meet with a teacher that is not listed, please contact that teacher directly by email. Please note that the sign-up will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 20. To sign up for a conference time, please click here. The first tab will give directions followed by a separate tab for each teacher. Lower School teachers are listed first by grade, followed by Upper School.

Serve for Education Packets

Serve for Education is a school fundraiser for students in Pre-K through 12th grade where students have an opportunity to serve the community while asking sponsors to contribute a donation. Serve for Education packets will be sent home with the youngest student of every family on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Full instructions are included in the packet; however, please feel free to call if you have any questions. If you do not receive a packet, please contact the office immediately. Please do not wait until the labels are due to reach out. We have included an attachment of the information below.
Just a few important notes:
1. It is preferred that labels are typed.
2. Labels are due no later than Tuesday, March 3, for Upper School students to receive the Special Dress Days at the end of the school year. Please do not ask for exceptions. It is recommended that labels be turned in sooner rather than waiting until the last day so that you do not miss the deadline in the case of an unexpected absence.
3. Please do not email labels to the office.
4. Like last year, we will require only 20 labels instead of 30 as in previous years.
5. We will include a list of donors who sponsored your child(ren) last year. Please keep this in mind when submitting your labels this year.
New this Year:
1. Instead of collecting one label sheet per student this year, we will be collecting one label sheet per family; however, we will include an extra label sheet for sponsors unique to one child. Please see full directions for details.
2. We will be mailing Serve for Education postcards this year instead of the blue mailers as in previous years. Family members will work together at school to send one postcard per donor.
Instructions for Parents.doc. 2026.docx

Parent Coffees with the Principals and Headmaster

DCA parents are invited to attend an Upper School Coffee and/or a Lower School Coffee with Mrs. Henry, Dr. Hilton, and Mr. Stone during the first week of March. Come for coffee, tea, a light breakfast, and conversation with the administration, as well as a time to catch up with other parents.

The Upper School Coffee with Dr. Hilton and Mr. Stone will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 8:00-9:30 a.m. The Lower School Parent Coffee with Mrs. Henry and Mr. Stone will be held Thursday, March 5, from 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Please RSVP here.

High School Course Selection Update

Dayspring’s course selection process will occur in early spring this year rather than in late winter. Students in grades 8 to 11 (and their parents) will want to keep an eye on the Beacon and their email in March for details from Director of Curriculum and Instruction Donna Hurley (dhurley@dayspringchristian.com).

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

Congratulations to Varsity Bowlers Liam Lynch and Caleb Santos for qualifying to compete in the Lancaster Lebanon League Bakers Bowling Tournament. Varsity Boys Basketball will travel to New Covenant on Thursday at 7:00 to compete in their District 3 Quarterfinal game. Varsity Girls Basketball will host Mount Calvary on Friday at 7:00 at Columbia in their District 3 Quarterfinal game. Both teams will play a second district game next Monday or Tuesday. Ticket information can be found at: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/piaad3/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D.

Middle School and JV student athletes, please return your clean and labeled uniforms to the Athletic Office by the end of this week. Any 6th-12th grade student interested in participating in Track & Field should email Mr. Vinson by the end of this week.

Lower School Basketball teams will finish their season this week with a practice and Saturday game. Thank you to all of the parents who stepped up to help lead practices. It was refreshing to see families having fun alongside the student athletes.

In recognition of the continued success of our Varsity Bowling and Basketball teams, Friday will be another Spirit Day (not a Dress Down Day) for all Dayspring students! Upper School students may wear their regular school uniform or Dayspring apparel. Lower School students may wear their regular school uniform, Dayspring apparel, or red, white, and blue clothing. Any student who chooses to wear something other than these approved options will forfeit participating in all future Spirit and Dress Down Days.

Upcoming Varsity Basketball schedule:
2/19 – Boys – 7:00 – @ New Covenant (District III Class A Quarterfinal)
2/20 – Girls – 7:00 – Mount Calvary @ Columbia (District III Class A Quarterfinal)

All Dayspring Middle School, JV, and Varsity schedules can be found on Dayspring’s website under Athletics. These are best viewed on a computer as opposed to a phone. Lower School schedules can be found on the SportsYou calendar. You can also access Hudl from Dayspring’s website to watch game film and highlight videos.

DDZ - Dayspring Discovery Zone

Date: February 26, 2026
Event: The DDZ – Dayspring Discovery Zone

Parents of children ages 3 to 6 who are not currently enrolled in any Dayspring classes are invited to join us for a fun and educational experience at the Dayspring Discovery Zone (DDZ)!

In February, we’ll be discovering the true story of God’s Love for us and others through:
⛪ A story time – focused on God’s love for us and a brief study of St. Valentine
🎨 A hands-on craft
🔍 A discovery activity

While your child explores and learns, parents can enjoy a warm beverage and participate in the learning experience alongside their little one.

Each child will leave with:
✨ Their craft creation
📚 New knowledge about God and themselves
🍪 A special snack

All of this — in just one hour of fun and discovery!

School Lunches

February Lunches:

Please note that if there is a delay, no hot lunches are served, and students must pack a lunch.

Monday – Pizza: 2/23
Tuesday – Walking Tacos: 2/17, 2/24
Wednesday – Chicken Nuggets: 2/18, 2/25
Thursday – Meatball Sub: 2/19, 2/26
Friday – Hot dog: 2/20, 2/27

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.

Guidance Office

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

LBC Open House Days: Dayspring high school students are invited to Experience Different with Lancaster Bible College firsthand at one of their Spring 2026 Open Houses on Fridays, February 20 or 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/

Service Opportunity

Last summer, the Hussar family enjoyed an amazing opportunity to work with Word of Life Hungary at a summer camp for 10-14-year-olds. They had been introduced to this camp by Mr. Lewis, our school’s Spiritual Life Director. This year, Eden and Eric are returning and wanted to see if others would be interested in joining them for the camp week of July 12-18. They are looking for 10-12 more volunteers. It is a Gospel-focused camp with the chance to introduce kids to Jesus or help them grow in their faith.

Ways to serve include helping in the following areas:
Basketball
Baseball
Drama
English language teaching

The Hussars ask that any minors be accompanied by an adult and suggest that any children involved would be 12 years or older.

Please text Eric if interested or wanting more information: 717-314-7957.

Community Events

2/17/26: Institute for Scientific & Biblical Research Forum
3/7/26: Ten Million for Christ Dutch Blitz Tournament
3/15/26 (registration deadline): Exelon Foundation STEM Academy

Land's End Sale/Used Uniform Boutique

Land’s End is offering 20 percent off select uniform styles through March 10 with code SPRINGREADY20. If your student has had a growth spurt and needs new items, take advantage of this sale. Also, the Used Uniform Boutique currently has a large variety of uniform pieces, and a dear DCA parent recently re-organized all of the uniforms so that items are easier to find. Items in the Used Uniform Boutique are always FREE!

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.

February Bible Memory

In the Beginning Was the Word, John 1:1-5, 12
Grades K-5: verses 1-3
Grades 6-8: verses 1-5
Grades 9-12: verse 1-5, 12

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. . . . 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Bold. Distinctive. Biblical.