December 2023 e-News
December's Character Trait: Empathy
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships and we hope this month inspires discussions with your family about ways to show Empathy at home and school. For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, including our middle school monthly traits, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.
Celebrations & Observances
- December 2 - Special Education Day
- December 5 - International Volunteer Day
Calendar Reminders
First Trimester Ends: Grades K-5
Friday, December 1
Progress Reports Due: Grades 6-12
Friday, December 1
First Trimester Grades Available in PowerSchool: Grades K-5
Thursday, December 14
Report card information for grades K-5 will be available no later than December 14, in PowerSchool. To view and print grades in the traditional report card style, please click the "Report Cards" tab on the left after logging into the PowerSchool website (not available in the app). If you would like additional information about the Standards-Based Report Cards being used in grades K-4, please check out the Family Guide posted on our website.
SAT Testing
Saturday, December 2 at Cedar Cliff High School
The registration deadline for this testing date has passed. To view other available testing sites and dates, please refer to the CollegeBoard's website.
PHEAA Virtual Financial Aid Night
Tuesday, December 12, 6-7 p.m.
Online Event, Registration Required
Diona Brown, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner, will present information for high school families on the financial aid application process and the types of aid available for students. Time will be built into the presentation to allow participants to ask questions about the financial aid process. Click here to register.
No School: Holiday Recess
Friday, December 22 through Tuesday, January 2
District offices will be closed December 25, 26, 29 and January 1.
Students will return from break on Wednesday, January 3, cycle day 3.
Taking the Stage
Annie
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3
Presented by Red Land High School
Annie is the 13th longest running American musical in Broadway history and we are excited to see it performed on the Red Land stage. Friday and Saturday's shows will start at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for students and $15 for adults and all tickets purchased at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance online.
Disney The Lion King Kids
Friday, December 1
Presented by Highland Elementary
Highland will present the Disney classic The Lion King on Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. Admission is free; however, space in Highland's multipurpose room is limited.
Middle and High School Music Department Concerts
- Wednesday, December 6 - Crossroads Middle School Band Concert, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 12 - Allen Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, December 14 - Crossroads Middle School Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Red Land, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, December 14 - New Cumberland Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
- Monday, December 18 - Red Land High School Concert, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 19 - Cedar Cliff High School Mosaic Concert, 7 p.m.
School Board News
Thank You for Your Service
On November 16, the District recognized five outgoing School Board members for their years of volunteer service and leadership. Please join us in thanking Judy Crocenzi (12 years), Frank Kambic (16 years), Antonios Kapranos (1 year, 2 months), Sheri Moyer (8 years), and Frederick Stoltenburg (4 years) for their dedication and commitment to West Shore’s students, staff, and community.
Upcoming Meetings
All meetings are held at the Administration Center and are open to the public.
SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION MEETING
Thursday, December 7, 6 p.m.
During the Reorganization Meeting, newly elected and re-elected board members are sworn in and a Board President and Vice President are elected.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Thursday, December 14, 6:30 p.m.
- In Person and Electronic Public Comment Guidelines
- Watch Board Meetings Online - Board meetings are streamed live and archived for viewing after the meeting.
- Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting
- Board Minutes - posted after Board approval
- On Board - online newsletter providing a summary of Board discussions
Planning Ahead for Winter Weather
With winter weather beginning to appear in the forecast, it is important families have a plan in place for the possibility of a switch to remote learning, a delay in the start time for classes, or the need to dismiss students early.
Cause for Applause
West Shore Marching Band & Color Guard Earn Second Place at Nationals
Congratulations to our West Shore Marching Band and Color Guard on their incredible season. Honors these students and their directors brought home included - first place at the USBands Pennsylvania State Championship with awards for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Color Guard, and Best Percussion; first place at the USBands Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship with awards for Best Overall Effect, Best Music, and Best Visual, Best Percussion; and second place at the USBands National Championship.
Employees of the First Quarter Announced
Congratulations to our Employees of the First Quarter…Meghan Danowski, Fifth Grade Teacher at Washington Heights Elementary, and Kylie Wetzel, Special Education Paraprofessional at Red Mill Elementary. Through their actions and dedication, Meghan and Kylie have supported the District’s pledge to inspire, engage, and empower students. Thank you both!
Outstanding Teachers Named by the Shippensburg University School Study Council
Two very deserving West Shore educators were named “Outstanding Teachers” by the Shippensburg University School Study Council. Please join us in congratulating Katherine Bright, Music Teacher at Fairview and Red Mill Elementaries, and Rebecca Diehl, Librarian at New Cumberland Middle School. Kate and Rebecca received this honor for their service to our school community, dedication to our students, and commitment to ongoing professional development. Thank you both for all you do for our District
U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Best Middle & Elementary Schools in the State
In November, the U.S. News & World Report released its 2024 Best Middle and Elementary Schools rankings for Pennsylvania and three West Shore schools were recognized for scoring in the top 40%.
Out of 2,134 middle schools, Allen Middle School ranked 254, and out of 2,978 elementary schools, Fairview Elementary ranked 393 and Red Mill Elementary ranked 355. Congratulations!
Calling all Future Chefs
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Sodexo Future Chefs Competition!
This year’s theme is “There is No Place Like Home” and we are looking for your favorite family recipes from home prepared with a healthy twist. One lucky winner will be chosen from each elementary school to compete in a cook-off for the title West Shore's Future Chef!
Once you have your recipe decided, ingredients gathered, and preparation steps written, you are ready to enter! Click here for all the tasty details. Contest is open to all aspiring chefs in grades 1-5. Deadline is January 31.
Join us in Supporting the Teddy Bear Toss
West Shore schools are once again collecting new and gently used teddy bears and stuffed animals for the Hershey Bears Hockey Teddy Bear Toss. Items can be dropped off at any school until Wednesday, January 3. Your donations will then be taken to Hershey to be thrown onto the ice on Sunday, January 7 when the Bears score their first goal. After the game, the Hershey Bears will distribute the stuffed animals to local charities, hospitals, and first responders so they can be given to children who are in stressful situations who could use a little comfort. Last year, our families and staff collected 4,073 animals. Can we collect 5,000 this year? We think we can!
Looking Ahead to Next School Year
Intermediate Schools on Schedule to Welcome Students in August
On August 20, an updated version of the Elementary Attendance Boundary Plan was presented to the Board. In the coming months, we will also be releasing a proposed middle school attendance plan which will align the attendance boundaries for Allen, New Cumberland, and Crossroads with the high school boundaries. There are no proposed changes to the existing high school boundaries.
Join Our Buildings & Grounds Department
Skilled Trade Positions Currently Available
Useful Links
Annual Notices - Numerous federal laws require school districts to provide students, parents, and/or the public with notices.
Care Solace - Care Solace assists individuals find mental health care providers and substance use treatment centers. Their services may be accessed by students, staff and their families at no cost to you, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, and in 200+ languages. To utilize Care Solace, call 1-888-515-0595 or visit www.caresolace.com/westshore.
- Employment Opportunities - We have a variety of open positions perfect for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers interested in working a schedule similar to our students.
- Transportation Exception Request - May be used to request a bus stop different from the assigned stop associated with the child’s residence provided the alternative stop is in the same school attendance area as the child’s school.
- Free and Reduced Price Meal Application Information - Families who may qualify are encouraged to apply for free or low cost meals this school year.
- Electronic Absence Submission - If your child will not be in school for the day due to illness or doctor/dentist appointment, you can submit their absence electronically through PowerSchool.
- Volunteer Clearance Policy & Procedures - Adults wishing to volunteer in our schools are required to complete the Volunteer Application Process before being approved to do so.
- Technology Help Center - Contains videos, resources, FAQs, and guides on using Seesaw, Schoology, PowerSchool, iPads, Chromebooks, and more.
Damage, Loss, Theft of District Technology Devices and Chargers - Information related to device expectations and repair costs.