The Weekly Update September 2025
December 11th, 2024
OCTOBER 2026
October is a busy and exciting month at CMS! Fall sports are in full swing, students are settled into their routines, and the building is full of energy each day. Our teachers are busy creating engaging and challenging learning experiences for our students, and there are always special activities happening around the building.
October also means the first marking period is coming to an end on October 29. We encourage you to take some time with your child to check PowerSchool, review grades and assignments, and talk about how things are going. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate what’s going well and set a few goals for the weeks ahead as we wrap up Quarter One.
As always, your involvement at home makes a big difference to your child's middle school experience! Checking in on assignments, encouraging good study habits, celebrating successes, or simply asking about your child’s day can go a long way. We want to work together to help our students grow—not just academically, but also in responsibility, perseverance, and confidence. If there is ever anything we can do to support your child, please reach out. We’re always happy to partner with our families and continue making CMS a great place for our students to learn and grow!
PBIS October: RESPECT
This month, we focus on the PBIS trait of Respect. Respect means treating others the way we want to be treated, valuing differences, and taking care of our school community. It is shown in simple actions like listening when someone is speaking, using kind words, following classroom rules, and being mindful of shared spaces. When students practice respect, it helps create a positive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to do their best. We encourage families to talk with students at home about ways they can show respect every day—at school, online, and in their community. Our November class meeting will be used to celebrate students that demonstrated RESPECT in October.
8th Grade Happenings
This month, our 8th grade students will have two experiences to add to their college and career readiness portfolios. On October 22, students will begin with a College and Career Fair at Red Land High School. With over 50 professions and 20 local colleges represented, our students will have the opportunity to interview professionals from a variety of fields and learn about the skills and education needed for each unique path. If you are a business or college interested in being a participant at the College and Career Fair - details are below! Later in the day on the 22nd, students will tour Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center. The goal is to learn about what the facility has to offer and how its programs might fit into your child's high school experience. You can learn more about CPACTC HERE. Experiences like these support our 8th grade students as they start to think about their transition to high school and beyond.
CMS Reads is sponsoring our annual Booktober event for all students on October 29th in the library! Organized by our English Department, Booktober gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of book-themed activities designed to celebrate reading and spark a love of books.
To help make the event a success, we are asking for candy donations! Donations can be dropped off in the main office or sent to school with your student to give to their ELA teacher.
Please consider helping support CMS Reads and our Booktober celebration. We appreciate your generosity and look forward to a fun day of celebrating books and reading with our students!
West Shore School District is seeking businesses, organizations and colleges to participate in the annual College & Career Fair on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Red Land High School.
Hundreds of 8th - 11th grade students will pass through the fair in scheduled groups to explore careers, education and training opportunities. Representatives can share their experiences, answer questions, and help students better understand career pathways after high school. The District will provide a table, chairs and Wi-Fi. Participants are welcome to bring displays, props and marketing materials. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.
Event Details
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Red Land High School Main Gymnasium
560 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339
8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Community participation helps students make meaningful connections and discover the many possibilities available after graduation.
Interested in participating? Please register by Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
We want to take a minute and highlight the attendance procedures at CMS.
Things to remember: In the morning, email (cmabsent@wssd.k12.pa.us) or call 717-938-3599 to alert the school that your child will be absent for the day. But a call is not enough! PA law requires a NOTE to be turned in too via email (cmabsent@wssd.k12.pa.us), Powerschool or with your child when they return to school. Remember: a note from a licensed healthcare provider is required for 3+ consecutive days absent.
Additionally, after 6 parent excused notes, a student is required to provide a note from a licensed healthcare provider for all future absences. Please be mindful of this as the school year progresses.
If you're looking for a flexible and rewarding part-time position, the West Shore School District is actively looking for additional substitute teachers for the remainder of the school year. Whether you are a parent/guardian looking for more ways to stay connected or know someone in your family and friend circles who may be interested, please contact us! The Emergency Permit process allows candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in any field to serve as a Substitute Teacher. The District partners with Substitute Teacher Service (STS) to fill needs within the District throughout the year. You may click this link for more information: https://wssd.k12.pa.us/Employment.aspx
