Newsroom

YCSDigest - August 15, 2024

New Payment & Form Platform

The York County School Division has transitioned to a new online payment and form system, SchoolCash Online. This platform replaces Rycor as the preferred method of payment for school-related fees such as fundraisers, field trips, school spirit wear, etc. (Please note the new payment system is NOT related to school cafeteria accounts).

Benefits to Families and Schools

SchoolCash Online helps families and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. It also increases efficiency and security for staff by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts, eliminating the need for staff to handle money.

Registering for your secure SchoolCash Online account takes less than two minutes!

Register Now

1:1 Device Protection Plans

The York County School Division is once again offering families the choice to buy an Accidental Damage Protection Plan (ADPP) for school-issued devices. The $30 annual coverage plan applies to accidental damage, not intentional damage, vandalism, negligence, or loss of the device or its accessories. Any damage to a device not covered by the ADPP will be the responsibility of the families and identified fees will be assessed.

Families can sign-up for the plan via SchoolCash Online through September 30. You can find details about the ADPP, what’s covered, and potential fees on the 1:1 Technology Program page of the division website.

Log into SchoolCash Online

Internet Security

Beginning with this school year, the division will implement a secure web browser for common online division assessments. This application, Respondus, provides a secure testing environment by preventing students from opening additional application windows, launching software, or accessing websites during tests.

Similar lockdown browsers are used at the college level and for College Board exams such as the PSAT, SAT, and AP tests, as well as state SOL assessments. The Respondus application does not monitor or track student website usage.

Students using YCSD-issued devices do not need to take any action, as this feature will be deployed automatically. However, students using personal devices will need to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser per the division’s Acceptable Usage Policy. Links for downloading the Respondus LockDown Browser are provided online.

If you have any questions about the Respondus LockDown Browser, please reach out to your child’s school.

Cell Phone Policy

In July, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order to create cell-phone free school environments. All school systems must establish these policies, using guidance developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), by January 1, 2025. Today, the VDOE released draft language and opened online public comment which will be used to finalize the state guidance.

As the York County School Division Student Handbook and Conduct Code already requires teacher permission for a student to use a cell phone in class, the division is awaiting the final VDOE guidance prior to adopting any changes in cell phone rules. We will keep families informed as we move forward in the development of these policies.

Voluntary Student Accident Insurance

York County School Division has partnered with K&K insurance to offer Voluntary Student Accident Insurance. Student accident insurance can reimburse you for your child’s eligible medical expenses due to accidents occurring at home or at school. Interested families will pay a one-time payment for the coverage option of their choice.

K-12 Student Accident Insurance