Bold. Distinctive. Biblical.
A Principle-Approach® Pre-K–12 Christian School in Lancaster County, PAAbout
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Discover Dayspring!Dayspring Beacon
Updated June 12, 2025
Latest Headlines
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events. Scroll down for further details. Details will be added as we get closer to the date of the event.
Upcoming Events:
08/01 – Summer Letters Mailed
08/07 – Fall Sports Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm
08/14 – New Family Orientation: 6:30-7:30 pm
08/14 – 6th Grade Student and Parent Orientation: 6:30-7:30 pm
08/20 – Lower School Back to School Night and Meet the Teacher Night
08/21 – New International Student Orientation: 8:30 am – 12 pm
08/21 – Upper School Back to School Night
08/25 – First Day of School for PreK-Grade 12
08/26 – First Day of Preschool
4th Quarter Report Cards / FACTS Access
Final report cards are now available on FACTS. Please note that a families account has been disabled if a student has not turned in all required items (textbooks, chargers, Chromebooks, keycards, lanyards and badge holders, athletic uniforms, tuition, Afterschool fees, etc.) Teachers have notified parents of these missing items so please be sure to check your email. Questions regarding these items should be emailed to the teacher directly.
Summer Office Hours
The following are the office hours for this Summer. If you are looking to meet with someone specific, it is recommended that you call or email beforehand to be sure they are on campus.
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am to 3 pm
Friday: Closed
Please note that the offices will be closed on Monday, 6/30.
Please note that Mountville Borough will be doing some parking lot work this summer which will, at times, make our parking lot and driveway inaccessible. They will also be working on the sidewalk area at the main entrance to Dayspring beginning Monday, 6/16. This is expected to be a week long project.
2025-2026 Supply Lists
The supply lists for the 2025-2026 school year are located on the form library section of the school website. Here is a link to that page – Form Library
Lower School Supply List – 2025-2026
Upper School Supply List – 2025-2026
Immunization and School Physical Requirements
Immunization Requirements – A complete list of required vaccinations can be found in the Form Library section of Dayspring’s website or by clicking here. All students must provide proof of vaccination or complete and return an exemption form. An exemption form can be found on Dayspring’s website by clicking here. Although Dayspring does not mandate whether you immunize or request an exemption, we do require that you have either an immunization record or statement of exemption form on file for each child.
School Physicals – If your student is entering AK, Grade 6, Grade 11, or if they are entering school for the first time, they will need to have a physical examination before beginning school in the fall. This form is available on Dayspring’s website by following this link.
High School Course Selection Update
Students in grades 10 – 12 (and their parents), please look for an email next week (during the week of June 16) that will include your current GPA and your eligibility for your chosen courses after Mrs. Donna Hurley reviews final grades. Note: If the actual class schedule that Dr. Hilton creates necessitates changes in your options, Mrs. Hurley will contact you again this summer.
Athletic News
Lower School families, please email Mr. Daryn Vinson (dvinson@dayspringchristian.com) if your incoming 1st-6th grade child is interested in participating in LS soccer this fall. Include your child’s name, grade as of next year, and shirt size. Also indicate if you would be willing to help coach.
Upper School students, please email Mr. Vinson (dvinson@dayspringchristian.com) if you are interested in participating or managing a fall sport. You may also email him if you need access to the team SportsYou.
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 is bringing back its Referral Program. If you refer a family to Dayspring, when they successfully enroll a full time student, you will receive $1,000 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.
Fond Farewell
As we close out this school year, we would like to wish a fond farewell to the following staff members who will not be returning for the 2025-2026 school year:
Mrs. Erika Canfijn
Ms. Emily Hilton
Mrs. Marcy Knecht
Mrs. Jeanne Ployd
Ms. Marie Rutherford
We want to make a special note about the retirement of three dear teachers. Mrs. Ruth Hook is retiring from over 40 years of Christian education, 13 of which she spent here at Dayspring. We thank Mrs. Hook for her kingdom service and for the hundreds of lives she impacted for Christ.
Also, Mrs. Donna Osborne is retiring after 32 years of kindergarten teaching at Dayspring. Mrs. Osborne has been a mainstay at Dayspring, almost since the beginning (She was actually a board member before becoming a teacher!). Only in heaven will we know the impact of Mrs. Osborne’s work in teaching God’s Word and giving an academic foundation to so many children.
Mrs. Leslie Schmucker is retiring after 30+ years of teaching, 12 of which she spent here at Dayspring. Mrs. Schmucker was hired by Dr. Myers to take over our learning support program, and they turned it into what is now our P139 Program. We thank Mrs. Schmucker for her leadership of this program and the blessing it has been to so many. She will be greatly missed, but the legacy of her work will continue.
We wish Mrs. Hook, Mrs. Osborne, and Mrs. Schmucker many happy years in retirement, and we thank them for their investment in Dayspring Christian Academy.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
Below you will find a link to the 2025-2026 school calendar. While we are releasing the calendar at this time, please note that there could still be changes. When changes are made, we will post the change in the Beacon as well as make the change to the calendar.
Help us fill our classrooms for the 2025-2026 School Year through the DCA Amazon Wish List
As we wrap up the 24-25 school year, we want to thank all who blessed our classrooms through the Dayspring Amazon Wish List. We are already planning for the 25-26 school year and have some updates on our list. If you would like to help fill our classrooms with love that would be a blessing so our teachers can begin using items at the start of the new school. If you want to bless a classroom, check out Dayspring’s Amazon Wish List to see if there is an item listed in which you would like to purchase.
Dayspring Christian Academy Amazon Wish List
Any questions, please reach out to Joanne Martin at jmartin@dayspringchristian.com or 717-285-2000 ext. 211. Thank you in advance for supporting our teachers and our classrooms.
Guidance Office
For more information on the following topics, please click the “Read More” button.
– Summer Reading Skills Programs
– Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
– Transcript Requests
– General Questions
Summer Reading Skills Programs are available for students ranging in age from kids who will be entering kindergarten to students entering college. Classes are located in Lancaster, are sponsored by Temple University, and are taught by instructors from the Institute of Reading Development. For more information email Mrs. Gainer (kgainer@dayspringchristian.
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.
Summer Camp Opportunities Held at Dayspring
The following camps will be held at Dayspring this coming summer. Please click the “Read More” button for details.
– Creative Kids Art Camp
– Discover Your Voice Camp
– Piano Express Summer Camp – New This Year!!
– Ukulele Camp
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 and will include hand sewing, painting, cardboard construction and more! The atmosphere is relaxed, positive, and fun. Camp dates are either July 7-11 and July 14-18 with the possibility of July 21-25 if the first two weeks fill to capacity. 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 12. 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 $175 per student. To register, please click here. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Lucas at blblucas320@gmail.com.
Discover Your Voice Camp
Does your child love to sing but they are hesitant to sing for others? DYVC is a 7-day performing arts camp, for ages 8-14, that uses our signature program to walk singers from shy and inexperienced to confident and thriving! We offer personalized vocal coaching in a welcoming setting all designed to boost your child’s confidence and stage presence. No auditions! Everyone performs a feature performance!
Registration is now open for this year’s DYVC being held July 6-12! Click here for more information or to register.
Piano Express Summer Camp
June 16-20 1:00-3:00 pm – Sopranojam Music Studio
Have you been considering piano lessons for your child?
Learn 10 songs in 5 days!
Beginners with no experience through Late Elementary level.
You’ll be amazed at what your child can learn on the piano in 5 short days!
Try out group piano lessons that make learning fun, build community, provide opportunities for sharing music, and fun activities!
This fun and exploratory camp will introduce rising 3rd-6ths graders how to play the piano using our program “Piano Express”!
If you have been toying with the idea of piano lessons, this camp will be a great way to get a fast start!
Kids will literally go from not knowing how to play the piano to playing 10 songs from Level 1 in these 5 days! No at home practice needed!
In addition to playing the piano, students will reinforce music concepts through games and activities.
*If your child already plays or has played in the past, we recommend an evaluation so we can place them in the appropriate level!
If your child loves learning to play, they can easily continue ongoing Piano Express classes in the fall after camp!
*Minimum of 4 students. Maximum 10 students.
Price: $200 includes Piano Express Book
Got Uke? Summer Ukulele Camp
Mrs. Sally Armstrong will hold the ever popular Ukulele camp June 23-27, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (with the possibility of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. if needed). 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 camper 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.
Home 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.
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.
Community Events / Community Service Opportunities
For more information on the following topics, please click the “Read More” button.
– “The American Miracle”, in theatres June 9-11 only
– Christian Camp Opportunities at Promised Land Camp
– Ignite Summer Day Camp at Manor Church
– Lessons in Liberty
– 2025 Constellation Youth Energy Summit (Free to attend)
“The American Miracle” is a stirring tribute to the role of divine Providence in the founding of the United States of America. This powerful film reminds us that God’s hand has guided our nation through every trial and triumph. I believe every American—young and old—will be inspired by The American Miracle and its message of faith, freedom, and providence.” Mike Pence – 48th Vice President of the United States, 50th Governor of Indiana
Coming to cinemas nationwide in 2025 from Heroic Pictures, The American Miracle – Our Nation is No Accident will take its audience on a journey through some of the most significant events in America’s birth and rise to prosperity and power.
Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Michael Medved’s book of the same title, this exciting, entertaining, and edifying motion picture experience is being created in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The history of the American Experiment is a fabric woven of countless instances of improbable, unimaginable success. Whether it is the supernatural protection that surrounded George Washington – the Father of our Country throughout his life, the mysterious weather conditions that favored the movements of the Continental Army at critical battlefield junctures, or, the unique, longstanding success of a revolution unlike any other in recorded world history; it is difficult, nearly impossible to explain the outcome of any of these, and so many more events like them, without allowing for divine intervention. In his first inaugural speech President George Washington described it as, “the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men.”
With a large cast, and filmed on location across the country and the United Kingdom, The American Miracle stars Pat Boone, Kevin Sorbo, Nicole C. Mullen, Cameron Arnett, and James Arnold Taylor, along with authors and scholars Joseph Ellis, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert P. George, Akhil Reed Amar, Lord Andrew Roberts, and Jana Novak, among many others.
For more information or to watch a trailer, click here.
To order tickets, click here.
If you are looking for a Christian Camp experience for your child this summer check out The Promised Land Camp in Conestoga. You can go to the website at www.thepromisedlandcamp.org to get information and to get an application for camp. Here are the two open camps:
High Adventure Camp will run June 29-July 4. High Adventure Camp was built for campers ages 12-18 who want to be pushed a little harder, a little farther, for a little longer. Campers will be challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually through out the week.
Bible Camp will run July 27-August 1. Bible Week is an activity-filled week! This week is divided into three separate programs for campers 6-18 years old. We will enjoy activities that will challenge our minds and bodies! With Bible sessions in the morning and afternoon, and a combined service for all ages in the evening, this week provides many opportunities to learn from Scripture.
Ignite Summer Day Camp at Manor Church – Ignite is a summer day camp created to help ignite a passionate faith in Christ Jesus through the teaching of God’s Word, and a lot of fun with friends!
This year our theme is … By Faith! Come discover how the “heroes of faith” found in Hebrews 11 lived by faith and ask the question, “how can I live by faith too”?
Ignite will run for eight weeks, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m., June 2 thru August 1. NO CAMP JUNE 30 – JULY 4!
Friends who have completed Kindergarten through the 5th grade are welcome to join us this summer for Bible Stories, crafts, music, games, and playground fun! Pack a lunch (no microwave available for heat-ups), we will supply the FUN!
We will have a Tu/Th and a M/W/F option each week. If wanting to attend 5 days a week please choose both options. We will not be able to substitute days. If unable to attend you forfeit that day of camp.
Camp Cost:
Tu/Th = $50 a week;
M/W/F = $75 a week;
M-F = $125 a week
All money is due (cash, check or money order) to Manor Church no later than two weeks PRIOR to the camp date you have registered for. If we have not received your payment two weeks in advance, you may forfeit your spot. You can send to Manor Church via snail mail (530 Central Manor Road, Lancaster, PA 17603) or brining it in person Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m.
** One to one buddies for kiddos with special needs are limited. We will need to meet PRIOR to camp to ensure we can care for your kiddo with special needs with the proper care needed. One to one buddies are dependent upon availability only. If you have questions please contact Andrea at andreak@manorchurch.org **
Register Here: https://manorchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2851206
Lessons in Liberty: Dayspring Christian Academy is a Principle Approach School. The parent-organization of the P.A. is the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE). FACE is offering “Lessons In Liberty”, an online lecture series. Do you love learning? Do you love America? Do you love that your children are being taught God’s truth and also about America’s godly heritage? Check out this link to sign up for one or more of these online lectures. You can deepen your knowledge about God’s Word and also learn more about how we educate here at Dayspring. You can view any of the past lectures or mark your calendars and register for any upcoming ones. (One of the lectures-on climate change-is taught by our very own Founder and Vision Ambassador, Dr. Myers).
2025 Constellation Youth Energy Summit: Constellation Energy is providing an excellent opportunity for students who may be interested in working in the field of energy in any capacity. They are hosting a one week long youth summit on STEM, Energy and climate change from July 13-18, 2025 . The event is entirely free. Students will be given an iPad, t-shirts for the week, meals and lodging at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The event is open to students currently in grades 10 and 11. Parents should be aware that there is a climate change component to this summit, however, as a science department, we do not disagree that the climate changes from time to time and we may well currently be in a warming cycle. The disagreement with many in the community is the cause and the outcome of such climate change. As stewards of the earth that God has given us as our home, we should be looking into the causes of climate change, and looking to make adjustments if we are not being good stewards. You may want to have a discussion with your student before applying for this if it is something you have strong feelings about. I (Mrs. Stauffer) attended one of their conferences recently and found it to be very enlightening and inspiring.
For more information and to apply, click on the following link: 2025 Constellation Youth Energy Summit