November 2025 e-News

We look forward to focusing on Gratitude this month! One way to think about Gratitude is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives. Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and our happiness. For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, including our middle school monthly traits, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.

• NOVEMBER - Career Development Month, Military Family Appreciation Month, and Native American Heritage Month
• November 3-7 - School Psychologist Appreciation Week
• November 8 - STEM/STEAM Day
• November 11 - Veterans Day
• November 16-22 - Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (students and staff are encouraged to wear red on Friday, November 21)
• November 17-21 - American Education Week
• November 20 - Children's Grief Awareness Day. Please wear blue to show your support for the needs of grieving children.
• November 21 - Substitute Educator Appreciation Day

While November is a time beginning the 'traditional' holiday season, we also set aside time to honor veterans and the military family. During Military Family Appreciation Month, we thank families for the enormous contribution they make in support of our service members and the nation. Military life imposes unique demands on them, and we are supportive of their dedication to every member of the District and the nation as a whole.

Sunday, November 2

Monday, November 17

Report card information for grades 7-12 will be available no later than November 17, 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). Parents, if you need to set up a PowerSchool account, please contact your child's school.

Monday, November 17

Tuesday, November 18
5:30 p.m. at the Administration Center

Wednesday, November 26 through Monday, December 1

Parent Conferences and professional development November 26.

District offices will be closed November 27 - December 1.
There will be no school Monday, December 1 for professional development.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, December 2, Cycle Day 3.

Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6, 5-7 p.m., Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center

This is a great way for students in grades 7-11 to learn more about the Human Services, Arts & Technology, Health Services, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation programs offered at Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC). Click here for additional information.

Wednesday, November 12, 6-8 p.m.

Hosted by West Creek Hills Elementary School, 340 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, PA

West Shore families are invited to attend a Parent Information Session sponsored by the Eastern Cumberland Special Education Consortium. Topics to be discussed include navigating the intellectual and developmental disability adult service system and more. Free childcare will be available. To register your family to attend, please click here.

The Ready for School, Ready to Succeed program helps children ages 3–5 (and their families) get ready for kindergarten and on track to read proficiently by 3rd grade. Families can attend FREE in-person workshops, available to ALL families. November workshops will be held at the Simpson Library Book Sale Center in Mechanicsburg and Rossmoyne Elementary School. Registration is required. Click here for details.

Friday, November 21
To show solidarity with children experiencing homelessness, West Shore students and staff are encouraged to WEAR RED on Friday, November 21. If you suspect a student may be homeless, please notify your building administration, school counselor, social worker, or a direct supervisor so we can help.

December 2-3, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Administration Center, 507 Fishing Creek Rd., Lewisberry, PA

Please join us in the first ever school-wide "Handmade with Heart" Craft Fair, a community event designed to showcase and sell handmade items created by our students in the District’s special education intermediate, middle, and high school buildings. You will see the talents, creativity, and hard work of our students through various handmade items such as candles, greeting cards, jewelry, keychains, planters, art prints, blankets, foods, and more! All items at the fair will be purchased through suggested donations.

You'll soon be receiving an email reminder with additional details of participation in this year's holiday card contest. All West Shore students are invited to enter their original artwork and/or writing for a chance to be featured.

In addition to appearing on the District holiday card, winners will receive a $50 gift card to the location of their choice, a set of printed cards, and be formally recognized by the School Board at its December 11 meeting. For more information, click here.

Thursday, November 6 - Sunday, November 9

Presented by Cedar Cliff High School

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, “totally planned” fiasco as a high school drama club’s earnest attempt to put on a simple murder mystery spirals into an unforgettable night of chaos! Thursday, Friday and Saturday's shows will start at 7:00pm with a matinee on Sunday at 2:00pm. Admission is $7 for students and $10 for adults and all tickets purchased at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance online.

Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23

Presented by Red Land High School

Get ready for a night of romance, humor, and unforgettable songs! Our talented students are bringing this classic Broadway musical to life, full of colorful characters, big laughs, and show-stopping performances. 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.

Friday, November 21

Cedar Cliff High School

The community is invited to attend a FREE concert at 4 p.m. featuring tenor and bass voices from West Shore and other local school districts.

Stories of Our Why is a new podcast and video series from the District's Communications Department that celebrates the voices and journeys of our students. Each episode features student speakers from Red Land or Cedar Cliff High Schools who have shared their stories at Board of School Directors, giving us a firsthand look at their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments.

Through Stories of Our Why, we not only highlight the achievements of our students, but also share the meaningful moments, values, and lessons that define their journeys. Tune in to hear stories that inspire, inform, and remind us all of the power of purpose and perseverance.

Click here to visit the webpage for more information and up-to-date videos and podcasts.

Meet Austin Michelsen, Red Land senior, three-sport athlete, and dedicated student, who spoke at a West Shore School District Board meeting. Austin shares his reflections on balancing academics and athletics, the lessons he’s learned from family, and the importance of treasuring the moments that matter most.

For our longer conversation, click here to listen to the podcast.

Meet John Hartman, Cedar Cliff senior, soccer player, and scholar, who spoke at the September Board meeting. John shares his exciting summer experience at a prestigious university, future plans, and a humorous take on just how important his hair is to him.

For our longer conversation, click here to listen to the podcast.

The West Shore School District is proud to launch a new video series highlighting our Student Support Specialists and the teachers who inspire them. These high school seniors from Cedar Cliff and Red Land gain hands-on experience in K–8 classrooms, learning from mentor teachers while balancing academics and extracurricular activities.

Through this program and in partnership with Chester County Regional Education Services (CCRES), students are hired and paid by CCRES to assist District teachers in grades K-8. Each Student Support Specialist selected their preferred building and grade level, and many balanced this work with sports, extracurricular activities, and other jobs.

Each month throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the series will share new stories that celebrate the meaningful connections being built in our classrooms. Viewers will see how experienced educators guide, encourage, and spark a love for teaching in the next generation, while students gain real-world insight into the teaching profession.

Our first month highlights the four student specialists at Highland Elementary School. Click here to view the webpage with the up-to-date videos.

The West Shore School District is proud to share that Allen Middle School, Red Mill Elementary School, and Fairview Elementary School (now Fairview Intermediate School) have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools.

This distinction places all three schools among the top 40% of public schools in Pennsylvania based on student achievement and performance data in previous years. While the information used for the rankings was collected before Fairview’s transition to an intermediate school, the honor reflects the outstanding efforts of its students, staff, and families at that time.

For more information, click here.

Each month of the school year, District administrators nominate outstanding employees who go above and beyond in their day-to-day and honor them with a special Administration Council Recognition certificate. Congratulations to our amazing staff members recognized by the Administrative Council this October! These individuals exemplify leadership, creativity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to supporting our students, staff, and families. We are so thankful for all they do to make West Shore a great place to learn and work. Click here to view the list of recipients and help us celebrate this month’s honorees!

Both Red Land and Cedar Cliff High Schools held college, career, and more fairs during the month of October. Between the two fairs, students in grades 8-11 explored future opportunities through engaging sessions with colleges, technical institutions, military representatives, and local career professionals. Thank you to everyone who participated in Cedar Cliff's (image above) and Red Land's (images below) fairs to ensure all students had a meaningful, important experience!

As of October 20, West Shore School District is working in new ways to further protect our students on their journey to and from school. The District has partnered with BusPatrol to launch a new School Bus Safety Program in line with PA Motor Vehicle Code § 3345.

All school buses that transport District students is now outfitted with safety technology to make the ride to and from school safer for all. This technology includes photo enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign is deployed and red lights are flashing. Every incident is reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a violation notice is issued to the offender. Through partnership with all of our local municipal police departments, motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus will receive a ticket in the amount of $300.

For more information, please visit https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/BusPatrol.aspx. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we continue to enhance the safety of our District community.

West Shore School District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Board of School Directors through November 2027.

Under the Pennsylvania School Code, to be eligible to be elected or appointed to a Pennsylvania school board, one must be a citizen, at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and a resident of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of election or appointment. To fill this vacancy, the candidate must also live within Region 3 (Fairview Township Precinct 3; Newberry Township Precincts 1, 3; Goldsboro Borough; Lewisberry Borough).

Please click here for additional details and application information.

All meetings are held at the Administration Center and are open to the public.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Finance - Thursday, November 13, 4:30 p.m.

Curriculum - Wednesday, November 19, 4:00 p.m

Transportation - Wednesday, November 19, 5:00 p.m..

Policy - Thursday, November 20, 4:30 p.m.

Please note that the printed Calendar & Family Guide states the Transportation Committee meeting was to take place on Wednesday, November 26. That is incorrect. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as listed above. As a result, the Curriculum Committee has moved its meeting to 4:00 p.m. on November 19, 2025. We apologize for any confusion.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Monday, November 10, 5:30 p.m. (Vacancy Candidate Interviews)

Thursday, November 13, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 20, 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

We realize many of our families utilize Medicaid and wanted to pass on some information about renewing your benefits (something that must be done each year). To find your renewal date, visit dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or use the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app. If you want to renew by phone, call 1-866-550-4355. If interested, additional information can be found below from Highmark.

If you are struggling with costs and believe you and your family may be eligible for free and reduced lunches, please complete the application form for assistance. Calls are going out for those who currently have outstanding negative meal balances. The District Food Service team is able to assist or answer questions regarding free and reduced meals. Please click here for more information.

• 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.