The Weekly Update #4
October 30th, 2026

THINGS TO KNOW
DON'S MISS OUT ON YOUR 2026-2027 YEARBOOK!
Yearbooks are still available to order through Jostens.
You can also purchase a spring supplement to capture memories from spring events, including spring sports, prom, and graduation. Don't miss the opportunity to look back on all the special moments from this school year!
Both the yearbook and spring supplement can be ordered through Jostens.
The final deadline to guarantee your copy of this year's yearbook is February 19!
NEED A STYLUS FOR YOUR IPAD?
The Cedar Cliff Store is selling styluses for student iPads for just $5! Take advantage of this great price and pick one up while supplies last!
COLT SPOTLIGHT
AQUAPONICS PROGRAM: GROWING, CREATING AND LEARNING
As fall approaches, the Aquaponics program has been busy harvesting, preserving, and building in preparation for the months ahead!
Hundreds of tomatoes and peppers have been sold or transformed into delicious treats by our students for our students. Each class has created its own tomato sauce and salsa using tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, oregano, basil, and garlic grown right here at Cedar Cliff. We are also growing basil indoors, and today we combined all five varieties to make one of the most unique and delicious pestos our program has ever produced!
We have been drying cherry tomatoes by the dozens, refining beeswax by the pound, and preparing to extract what looks to be our biggest honey harvest yet. Stay tuned for when the honey goes on sale! Also coming soon are at-home lion's mane mushroom growing kits that our teams are currently piloting. Students are also developing new lip balm formulations and experimenting with new beeswax candle concepts.
Behind the scenes, students are repairing pumps, building wood stoves, and installing racks and lights. Through these projects, they are learning how to safely and properly use tools while developing problem-solving skills. Students are also engaging in discussions about fiscal responsibility and evaluating whether repairing equipment or replacing it is the most efficient and cost-effective decision when running a business.
There is always something growing, creating, or being built in Aquaponics. Our students continue to gain valuable hands-on experience while developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom!
PA KEYSTONE STEM COMPETITION
On October 28th, Cedar Cliff students participated in a one-day PA Keystone STEM competition. Hosted for the first time by CAIU 13, student teams of four from across our region were tasked with using STEM knowledge to solve a local issue. Dr. Carrie Rowe, PA Department of Education Secretary, presented the challenge: Reimagine PA Parks: brainstorm and design an innovative change to improve a local PA State Park.
Mrs. Angela Kamps, CCHS Gifted Support teacher, coordinated and advised our two Cedar Cliff teams. Students spent the day creating a solution, developing a prototype, and then presenting their products. Congratulations to our teams, which included the following students and their innovative ideas!
Juniors: Grant Govelovich, Dylan McCarren, Cash Rodeheaver, and Rebekah Stevenson presented “Star Track,” as explained by Rebekah Stevenson: “Our trail system solved the problem of poorly managed trails, and helped keep people safe and on the trail, especially at night. We did this through reflective climbing ropes along the path and red-light lamps on posts throughout the path. We powered the lights through solar panels and equipped an emergency button system on the light relying on satellite GPS and the solar panel to run.”
Seniors: Addison Alanda, Carson Cash, Ian Nelepka, and Trevor Rhodes presented the “HydroSol,” as explained by Carson Cash: “After two hours of designing, prototyping, and pitching to judges, we developed a new, renewable method for identifying water pollution levels in any body of water by remotely collecting readings of pH, temperature, and other vital data points. Using our prior knowledge of ecosystems and water pollution from Dr. Haun’s Environmental Science class, we were able to reference data and excel in our processes. We all had a fantastic time and were glad to be a part of the first year of this competition.”
CCHS JROTC
It has been an action-packed and highly successful October for the Cedar Cliff High School JROTC program!
Our cadets have been actively involved throughout the school and community. They supported the CCHS College Fair and participated in Career Day, helping fellow students explore future career pathways. Cadets also demonstrated exceptional precision, teamwork, and pride by presenting the colors at several Color Guard events throughout the month.
The highlight of October, however, was the cadets' outstanding performance at the recent Raiders Competition, where the Cedar Cliff team earned 2nd Place overall out of 10 competing teams!
We are incredibly proud of our cadets' hard work, dedication, and leadership. They continue to represent Cedar Cliff High School with honor!
CAREER DAY AT CEDAR CLIFF: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
On October 20, Cedar Cliff High School students participated in a day of career exploration designed to help them discover opportunities and prepare for life after graduation. Each grade level took part in activities tailored to their interests, goals, and next steps.
Freshmen (Grade 9) explored the many opportunities available after high school through the theme "Employ, Enlist, Enroll." Students connected with military recruiters, learned about programs offered at Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center, and visited Harrisburg Area Community College.
Sophomores (Grade 10) spent the day participating in hands-on STEM activities at a variety of interactive stations. Junior Achievement and community volunteers worked alongside students as they explored science, technology, engineering, and math.
Juniors (Grade 11) had the opportunity to take either the PSAT, for those considering college, or the ASVAB, for students exploring military service or employment opportunities.
Seniors (Grade 12) took the next step in planning for their futures by spending the day job shadowing or visiting a college of their choice. These experiences provided an opportunity to confirm and refine their aspirations for life after high school.
Career Day provided students across all grade levels with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, gain new experiences, and take meaningful steps toward planning their futures!
NHS INDUCTION
On Thursday, October 29, Cedar Cliff High School welcomed 49 new members into the National Honor Society! Nine seniors and 40 juniors were recognized for demonstrating the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our 102 National Honor Society members and their commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to our newest members!
SPEECH AND DEBATE KICKS OFF THE SEASON WITH BIG WINS!
Congratulations to Rihanna Mercado, Sophia Britcher, Lillian Tommaselli, and Arafo Hassan for kicking off the Cedar Cliff Speech and Debate season at the Gettysburg Invitational on October 10 at Gettysburg Area High School!
The team had an exciting showing, with Rihanna and Sophia earning 1st place in Broadcasting and Lillian taking home 3rd place in Congress. Arafo also jumped right into the action by participating in her very first Congress competition.
We are incredibly proud of our students and their hard work and accomplishments!
The team is looking forward to upcoming competitions, especially as more students compete for team positions through the Speech and Debate Club. This growing interest brings new enthusiasm, talent, and excitement as the season continues.
Congratulations to our team on an exciting start to the season!
SCIENCE 9: THE EGG DROP CHALLENGE
Science 9 students put their physics and engineering skills to the test during the Egg Drop Challenge! Working in teams, students designed and built containers using materials such as straws, bubble wrap, and cotton to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from 4.8 meters.
This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while helping students apply scientific concepts. Through trial and error, students explored the importance of testing designs, learning from mistakes, and using engineering principles to develop innovative solutions.
CONGRATULATIONS TO DECKER!
Cedar Cliff High School’s Facility Dog, Decker (aka Mr. D), officially graduated from UDS (United Disabilities Services) in Lancaster on October 12!
Decker joined five other Facility Dogs from the Class of 2026, including his brother, Cecil, to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive impact they make in their respective schools.
Decker was joined by his primary handler, Ms. Frey; his trainer, Janna Barley; his Puppy Mom, Marie Runyeon; and the rest of the Facility Dog Team from Red Mill Elementary.
During the ceremony, Decker showed off his "Wave" command to all the guests!
We are so proud of Decker and all he brings to the Cedar Cliff community. Congratulations, Mr. D!
SENIOR STUFF
SENIOR PORTRAITS - PAST DUE!
Attention Seniors! If you have not submitted your senior portrait to Dr. Fenton or had your picture taken through Camera Box, your portrait is now PAST DUE!
Please remember that all submitted photos MUST BE FORMAL PORTRAITS. Photos that do not meet this requirement will not be published in the yearbook.
If you still need to schedule a formal portrait, please contact Dr. Fenton for assistance. Don't miss your opportunity to be included in the yearbook!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
ATTENTION COLLEGE-BOUND JUNIORS!
Join Mrs. Gray and Ms. Thorpe on November 17 in the library during either Period 3 or Period 8 to learn more about the college admissions process!
Topics will include:
College admissions testing
Visiting colleges
Researching colleges using SchooLinks
And much more!
Did you know? If you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, you may also qualify for an SAT or ACT fee waiver!
For more information or to obtain a fee waiver, please see Mrs. Gray or Ms. Thorpe in the Counseling Office.
ATHLETICS
WINTER PHYSICALS
When: Thursday, November 5th, starting at 3:00 PM (Activity bus available from NCMS to CCHS)
Where: Cedar Cliff Library
Cost: $25 (for physicals completed at the school) Check(Red Cedar Family Practice) or Cash
Physicals & Registration Process:
West Shore School District has implemented the use of Rank One to maintain athlete’s sports documentation. Physical Paperwork forms may ONLY be submitted online through Rank One. Paper copies will no longer be accepted.
Returning Fall Athletes: If you already submitted a physical for a fall sport, you do not need a new physical. Log into Rank One to recertify for the winter season.
Important deadlines for completing Physical Paperwork: Winter Sports – Due in Rank One by November 13, 2026
Login or Create a New Account.
Translation options are available at the top right once logged into the parent portal.
In order to complete the paperwork, you may be asked to provide your Student’s ID Number and/or Date of Birth along with other demographic information.
Student ID number can be found in PowerSchool.
Once you add/locate your student in Rank One, Click on “View Forms” to access the Physical Paperwork that needs to be completed.
Overview of the Physical Paperwork:
*NOTE: Sections 1-6 and the Authorization Form must be submitted by any athlete that has not already completed the forms for the 2026 – 2027 school year:
Section 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and Authorization Form are to be completed in Rank One.
Section 6: Physical Examination - A hardcopy must be completed, signed and dated by an appropriate medical provider (MD, DO, PAC, CRNP) then uploaded into Rank One.
Section 6 (Physical Examination Form) is the only form that can be accepted per the PIAA rules. Well child visit forms and other similar forms cannot be accepted. You can find Section 6: Physical Examination page here.
Physicals must be dated after 5/1/2026 to qualify for the 2026-2027 school year.
See District Website/Athletics for more information and directions: https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/AthleticForms.aspx
SIGNING DAY
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
Thur-Sat, Nov 5-7: Fall Play. Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, 7PM
Sun, Nov 8: Fall Play. Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, 2PM
Wed, Nov 11: Veterans' Day
Wed, Nov 11: Sports Signing Day
Fri, Nov 13: JROTC Blood Drive
Wed, Nov 18: Turkey Day in the Cafe
Fri, Nov 20: PIAA Winter Sports Season Begins
Wed, Nov 25-Mon, Nov 30: No School
DECEMBER
Mon, Dec 7: Winter Keystones, 2.5hr delay
Tues, Dec 8: Winter Keystones, 2.5hr delay
Tues, Dec 15: GR 9 Mental Health Screeners
Thurs, Dec 17: GR 9 Mental Health Screeners
Fri, Dec 18: Last School Day before Winter Break
Mon, Dec 21-Fri, Jan 1: Winter Break/No School