October 2025 e-News

One way to define 'Responsibility' is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Many of us have seen people practice 'Responsibility' in ways that have inspired us. We hope this month inspires discussions with your family about what it means to be responsible. For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, including our middle school monthly traits, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.

• OCTOBER: Bullying Prevention Month, Careers in Construction Month, Disability History and Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month , Filipino-American History Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, Polish-American Heritage Month, Principals' Appreciation Month and Walk and Bike to School Month
• September 15 thru October 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month
• October 2 - School Custodian and Buildings & Grounds Appreciation Day
• October 5 - World Teachers' Day
• October 5-11 - Fire Prevention Week
• October 6 - Instructional Coach Appreciation Day
• October 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day
• October 13-17 - School Lunch Week
• October 16 - Boss’ Day
• October 20-24 - Teen Driver Safety Week/School Bus Safety Week
• October 22 - West Shore Unity Day/Stop Bullying Day (additional information below)
• October 23-31 - Red RIbbon Week/Drug-Free America Week
• October 25 - National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (additional information below)

Scheduled Remote Learning Day
Friday, October 10
Teachers will provide asynchronous work for students equal to a half day of instruction. Student work may be completed that day and submitted the next day school is in session. Students will NOT attend virtual sessions and 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.

NO SCHOOL

Monday, October 13

Students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Cycle Day 3.

First Marking Period Ends: Grades 7-12
Thursday, October 30

Students will begin their second marking period courses on Monday, November 3. 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).

NO SCHOOL

Friday, October 31

Students will return to in-person learning on Monday, November 3, Cycle Day 4.

Running Into Fall Social Work Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 8, 4-8 p.m.

Our District social workers are hosting a fundraiser for West Shore students on Wednesday, October 8, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Chipotle on Carlisle Road in Camp Hill. Proceeds will help provide sneakers for students in need, ensuring every child has proper footwear for school and activities. We invite the entire community to participate. Click here to download the flyer to the time of purchase or use the online code BV6RY43 to ensure proceeds benefit our students. For a Spanish version of the flyer, click here.

West Shore Foundation Annual Gala

Saturday, October 18, 6-10 p.m., West Shore Country Club

Proceeds will benefit the West Shore Foundation, a community organization providing financial support for the enrichment of Academics, Arts & Culture, Athletics, Innovation, and Community Wellness to the students and staff in the West Shore School District. For more details, please visit the Foundation's website.

College & More Fair

Tuesday, October 21, 5-7 p.m., Cedar Cliff H.S.

Students attending Cedar Cliff and Red Land are invited to come meet with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, technical schools, and specialty schools.

West Shore Unity Day

Wednesday, October 22

Unity Day was started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and provides us with an opportunity to stand united against bullying and in support of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. On Wednesday, October 22, all West Shore students, teachers, administrators, secretaries, bus drivers, food service staff, parents, and community members are invited to get involved and wear the color orange. Thank you in advance for participating!

West Shore S.D. College & Career Fair
Thursday, October 23

More than 1,000 students will join local businesses and colleges as the West Shore School District hosts a newly combined College and Career Fair at Red Land High School. Click here for more information.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Crossroads Middle School

Now is the time to clean your medicine cabinets. Thanks to our partners, the York Opioid Collaborative and Fairview Township Police Department, all varieties of prescription or over the counter medication, vitamins, and pet medications (tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, inhalants, etc.) will be accepted for disposal during this FREE drive thru event.

Cedar Cliff High School's Homecoming occurred on September 26-27, 2025.

Red Land H.S.

October 10 - Patriots vs. Shippensburg, West Shore Stadium

October 11 - Homecoming Dance from 7-10 p.m.

Home Football Game Procedures and West Shore Stadium Bag Policy Information

Congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter, Cathy Books and Tamara Scribner!

On September 18, the Board recognized our Employees of the Summer Quarter: Cathy Books, Application Support Specialist at the Administration Center for Education, and Health Services Department Head/Certified School Health Services Supervisor Tamara Scribner.Through their actions and dedication, these West Shore employees have supported the District’s pledge to inspire, engage, and empower students. Congratulations!

If you haven't yet seen the Annual First Day Video for the 2025-25 school year, please view it here! We were so pleased to feature 564 children, 147 staff members, and nine dogs this year. Thank you to those who sent in photos!

West Shore School District’s K–12 iPad program provides students with reliable, accessible devices that support online learning, assessments, and classroom engagement. To give families more support at home, we’ve added GoGuardian Parent, a tool that lets parents/guardians monitor browsing activity, set time limits, and create filtering rules for safe and responsible device use.

Together, these initiatives help ensure students have the right tools for learning while keeping families connected and students protected online. Click here to learn more about the District’s iPad program and GoGuardian Parent.

Parent/Guardian & Student School Climate Survey
Oct. 6–20 for parents/guardians • Oct. 20–24 for students in Grades 3–12
Parents/Guardians of students in grades 3-12 should have received an email communication in September regarding the School Climate survey. Parents and guardians are invited to share feedback on topics like safety, social-emotional learning, and feelings of support and inclusion. For more information, please click here.

2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)
Administered Oct. 14–24 to students in Grades 6, 8, 10, & 12

Parents/Guardians of students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 received email communication regarding the Pennsylvania Youth Survey in September. This statewide survey, given to students in Grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, helps schools and community partners better understand the experiences and needs of young people. Topics include mental health, school climate, and risk behaviors. Participation is anonymous. Learn more about PAYS here.

For the last several years, schools, school bus companies, and communities nationwide have faced driver shortages. Rohrer Bus has a tight-knit and committed team of drivers, but is looking for a few more caring individuals to join them in Driving the Future Forward! Rohrer Bus is hiring School Bus and Van Drivers, and is offering:

• $25-$29/hour for School Bus Drivers
• $18.50-$21.50/hour for Van Drivers
• $1,500 Hiring Incentive for Bus Drivers
• All training and licensing, no experience necessary
• Drive with 1-2 of your pre-school aged children
• Vision insurance and 401(k) with employer match
• Safety, Attendance, and Length of Service bonuses
• Additional benefits not listed here may be available!

Interested individuals should contact Rohrer at 717-957-3811 or apply online.

The West Shore School District is also hiring for additional positions in the following categories:

• Maintenance/Custodial
• English Language/Social Studies Teacher
• Technology Education Teacher
• Additional Positions Available
  
  

If you are interested in obtaining more information regarding any of these positions, please click here.

Renewing Your Medicaid Benefits

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).

The West Shore School District has partnered with Highmark Wholecare to offer free help sessions who may be applying for or renewing Medicaid Coverage. These sessions will take place at 10AM to Noon, with no appointment necessary, as follows:

• Cedar Cliff High School - First Wednesday of the Month
• Red Land High School - Second Wednesday of the Month

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.

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

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Facilities - Wednesday, October 8, 4:30 p.m.

Finance - Thursday, October 9, 4:30 p.m.

Policy - Thursday, October 16, 4:30 p.m.

Transportation - Wednesday, October 29, 5 p.m.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Thursday, October 9, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 16, 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

• 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.
• 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.