September 2023 e-News

We’re excited to kick off the new school year by talking about Respect. One way to think about respect is "seeing value in all people and things & treating them with care." Many people feel respected in different ways and we hope this month inspires discussions with your family about what respect means to you and how you can practice it together. For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, including our middle school monthly traits, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.

• SEPTEMBER - Suicide Prevention Month
• September 8 - International Literacy Day
  
• September 11 - 9-11 Remembrance Day
• September 15 thru October 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month
• September 10-16 - Arts in Education Week
• September 19 - IT Professional Day
• September 23 - International Day of Sign Languages
• September 26 - Human Resources Professional Day

The weather may necessitate rescheduling evening events. Please look for updates from your child's school and refer to the District's online calendar for schedule changes. Thank you.

No School: Labor Day Day Break

Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4

Weather-Related Remote Learning Day for Fairview, Fishing Creek, Newberry, Allen and New Cumberland ONLY

Tuesday, September 5

Due to the forecasted temperatures and anticipated humidity in our buildings, Tuesday, September 5, will be a weather-related remote learning day for students attending schools without air conditioning. All other students will report for in person learning at their respective school. Click here for more details.

Deadline for Updating Back to School Forms in PowerSchool

Tuesday, September 5

Again this year, parents are being asked to update their child's general information, emergency contacts, communication preferences, and health history in PowerSchool. It is VERY important this information be current to ensure we can reach your family in the case of an emergency. For step-by-step directions, click here.

Scheduled Remote Learning Day
Friday, September 15
The 2023-2024 school calendar incorporates Scheduled Remote Learning Days for students with staff members using the day for professional development, data analysis, and collaboration. Teachers will provide asynchronous work for students equal to a half day of instruction. Student work may be completed that day or anytime over the weekend and submitted the next day school is in session. Unlike the weather-related remote learning days, students will NOT attend Zoom sessions on these remote days. All students will be marked present unless reported as absent. In the event of an absence, families should follow regular procedures for absence notification and the standard make-up procedures will apply.

Physical Activity and Nutrition Advisory Council (PANAC) Meeting
Tuesday, September 19, 3:30 p.m., Administration Center
Meeting was originally scheduled for September 13.

PANAC serves as an advisory group discussing issues related to the District’s Student Wellness Policy and providing feedback on District Food Services. Please contact Dr. Argot, Director of Federal Programs, if you are interested in participating.

West Shore Classic Marching Band Show
Saturday, September 23, West Shore Stadium

For additional information and ticket details, click here.

Progress Reports Due - Grades 6-12
Friday, September 29

West Shore Foundation 8th Annual Gala

Saturday, October 28, 6-10 p.m., West Shore Country Club

For more details, please visit the Foundation's website.

Meetings are held at the Administration Center and are open to the public.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Facilities - Wednesday, September 13, 4:30 p.m.

Finance - Thursday, September 14, 4:30 p.m.

Policy - Thursday, September 21, 4:30 p.m.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Thursday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 21, 6:30 p.m.

Related Links

• 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
• 2023-2024 Budget Development - presentations made to the Board during the budget development process

We are excited to feature 662 children, 78 staff members, 11 dogs, and 1 cat in our Sixth Annual First Day of School Video! Wishing our students, families, and staff a fantastic school year. We are glad you have chosen to live, work, and learn in West Shore. #BackToSchool #OneDistrict #WestShoreProud

All too often, drivers are distracted or not paying attention and drive into school zones too quickly — even though warning signs and flashing lights let them know they’re approaching a school zone. For the safety of our students, it is critical drivers practice safe driving habits when traveling near school zones, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and in the pick up/drop off line.

Know the speed limit, put down your phone, watch for students, and stop for our buses. If you stay alert and focused, and follow bus safety laws, you can keep yourself and our children safe this school year!

The youngest child in your family should have brought home a printed copy of the District's Calendar & Family Guide for 2023-2024. If you did not receive a copy, or would like an additional copy, extras are available in each school office and at the Administration Center. In addition to District events and cycle days, the publication contains resources and contact information for District departments and schools.

SHOUT OUT to Rossmoyne Elementary "twins" Taylor Childs and Willow Cloyd, who are featured on this year's cover.

With the opening of the intermediate schools next school year, the District will be making alterations to our attendance areas and grade level configurations. The intent of this process is to align all of our attendance areas with the existing high school attendance boundaries and to maximize use of our schools to best meet the needs of our current and future families.

On August 20, an updated version of the Elementary Attendance Boundary Plan was presented to the Board. The plan is available on the District website for review.

• 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.