Back to School August 2023 e-News
Bus & Teacher Assignments for 2023-2024
Check PowerSchool on Monday, August 14 to see your child's schedule!
On Monday, August 14, bus, teacher, class, and schedule information for all students will be available in PowerSchool. Please note, bus pick up and drop off times are not available in the PowerSchool app, only the website. If you do not have a parent PowerSchool account, please contact your child’s school to obtain the access codes needed. You will not be able to use these codes to create a new parent account until PowerSchool opens on August 14th.
PowerSchool will open following a staggered schedule.
- High School – 9 a.m.
- Middle School – 11 a.m.
- Elementary School – 1 p.m.
Helpful PowerSchool Links
- PowerSchool Website
- Answers to Frequently asked Questions
- Instructions for Setting up Your Parent Account
In addition to the PowerSchool access, on August 14, an email will be sent to parents of students in kindergarten through fifth grade with teacher assignment and detailed bus information. Please check your spam/junk mail folders if you do not see this message in your inbox. If you have multiple children in the District, your individual email messages may also be grouped together in your inbox.
Important Dates
As they are finalized, dates and times for open houses and back-to-school nights are being emailed to families and added to our online calendar. At the top of the online calendar, you can also download a copy of the complete 2023-2024 school calendar. Click here to view.
Fall PIAA Sports Begin
Monday, August 14
High School New Family and Ninth Grade Orientations
Monday, August 14
Middle School New Family and Sixth Grade Orientations
Monday, August 21
CPACTC New Student Orientation
Monday, August 21, 5-6 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact CPACTC at opportunities@cpavts.org
Elementary New Family Orientations
Tuesday, August 22
First Day for Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center
Wednesday, August 23
WELCOME BACK: First Day of School for Students
Monday, August 28
Bus Evacuation Drills
Wednesday, August 30
No School: Labor Day Day Break
Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4
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. You can begin making these updates on August 14 when PowerSchool reopens. 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.
First Day of School Signs and Sixth Annual Video
Get ready to smile! Our annual first day signs and video is easily one of our favorite West Shore traditions. The deadline for video submissions is Friday, September 1 at noon. Signs and submission details can be found at https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/FirstDay.aspx
Parents, you do not have to use one of our signs in order for your child to be in the video; however, please be mindful of what personal information is available in your photo.
Information about School Supplies
Elementary parents will only need to purchase a book bag, lunch box, and reusable water bottle for the 2023-2024 school year. All necessary materials and supplies for learning in the elementary classroom have been purchased by the District for your student. Although families will not receive a school supply list, you are welcome to purchase additional items for your student (earbuds, designer folders, pencil cases, etc.) if you would like to do so.
At the middle and high school level, teachers may have recommendations for school supplies and calculators.
If your family can use assistance from the District in obtaining a backpack, shoes, jackets, etc., please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor. We are here to help.
Is Your Child's iPad/Chromebook Ready for the First Day?
For those families returning from last school year, please take a moment to check your student’s iPad/Chromebook to make sure it is able to turn on and is working correctly. If your student’s device needs repairs, as soon as possible, drop it off at the Administration Center (507 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, so our technicians can get the device up and running prior to the first day of classes. Devices which were sent for repair over the summer will be returned to students at their home school on the first day of class. Additionally, devices will be distributed to new students who do not already have one the first week of school.
Important Student Meal Update
Student Meal Prices
Breakfast - Free for ALL students
Elementary Lunch - $3.25
Secondary Lunch - $3.35 and $3.70
Reduced Price Lunch - $0.40
Free Meals Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch Program allows schools in low-income areas to provide meals at no cost to families. For the 2023-2024 school year, six District schools qualify for participation. All students attending these schools, regardless of their family’s economic status, will receive lunch for free.
• Elementary Schools - Highland, Hillside, Newberry, Rossmoyne, and Washington Heights
• Middle School - New Cumberland
Depositing Money Into Your Student's Account
All schools are using LINQ Connect (formerly known as TITAN), for student breakfasts and lunches. This system allows parents to monitor their student’s account balance, view meal purchases, and make online payments. There is no charge to monitor student account information; however, a convenience fee will be charged by LINQ Connect when used to add funds. If parents prefer not to use the online service to deposit funds, money may be added to student accounts by sending cash or checks made payable to “West Shore Cafeteria Fund” to school with students. Unfortunately, monies cannot be accepted by the cashier at lunch time.
Physical Exam & Immunization Reminder
Per the Pennsylvania Department of Health, physical examinations are required for children upon entry into school, in grade 6, and in grade 11. Additionally, a variety of immunizations are required for all students with additional immunization requirements for entry to grades 7 and 12. For a complete list of requirements, please visit the District's Health Services website.
School Hours and Six-Day Cycle
All schools will utilize a six-day cycle. Cycle days can be found on the online calendar and in the printed calendar sent home the first week of school.
- Morning Kindergarten - 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Afternoon Kindergarten - 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Elementary Schools - 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Middle Schools - 7:38 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
- High Schools - 7:37 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Parents should not drop off students at school before the doors are opened. Prior to these designated times, teachers are not responsible for students, as they are busy preparing for the day.
Cause for Applause: Intermediate Schools Update
As you may be aware, two brand new intermediate schools are scheduled to be completed next summer and will serve fifth and sixth grade students. We are excited to share the following appointments relative to the new schools. Appointments will not be effective until the 2024-2025 school year.
Fairview Intermediate School
Brian Granger, Principal
TBD, Assistant Principal
Old Trail Intermediate School
Michele Trevino, Ed.D., Principal
Douglas Knepp, Assistant Principal
Additionally, Christopher Konieczny, current principal of Fairview Elementary and ExCEL, has been named the next principal of Washington Heights Elementary.
School Board News
Meetings are held at the Administration Center and are open to the public.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Finance - Thursday, August 10, 4:30 p.m.
Policy - Thursday, August 17, 4:30 p.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Thursday, August 10, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 17, 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
- 2023-2024 Budget Development - presentations made to the Board during the budget development process
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.