December 2024 e-News
December's Character Trait: Empathy
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships and we hope this month inspires discussions with your family about ways to show Empathy at home and school. For additional information regarding CharacterStrong, including our middle school monthly traits, please visit our CharacterStrong & Social Emotional Learning website.
Celebrations & Observances
- December 2 - Special Education Day
- December 5 - International Volunteer Day
Calendar Reminders
No School
Monday, December 2
First Trimester Ends: Grades K-6
Friday, December 6
Progress Reports Due: Grades 7-12
Friday, December 6
Ski Club Registration Deadline
Sunday, December 15
We are excited to announce that the registration for Slope Days is open. To secure your child’s space in the program, please follow the link below to purchase your program. For more information, please click here.
First Trimester Grades Available in PowerSchool: Grades K-6
Wednesday, December 18
Report card information for grades K-6 will be available no later than December 18, 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). If you would like additional information about the Standards-Based Report Cards being used in grades K-4, please check out the Family Guide posted on our website.
SAT Testing
Saturday, December 7 at Cedar Cliff High School
The registration deadline for this testing date has passed. To view other available testing sites and dates, please refer to the CollegeBoard's website.
No School: Holiday Recess
Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1
District offices will be closed for the duration of the break.
Students will return from break on Thursday, January 2, cycle day 3.
Taking the Stage
Once Upon a Mattress
Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8
Presented by Red Land High School
A Broadway icon since the 1950s, Once Upon a Mattress is one of the most enduring plays in history headed for the Red Land stage. 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.
Middle and High School Music Department Concerts
- Wednesday, December 4 - Crossroads Middle School Band Concert, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5 - Allen Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 10 - Crossroads Middle School Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Red Land, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 10 - New Cumberland Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 11 - Fairview Intermediate School 5th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 11 - Old Trail Intermediate School 5th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Red Land, 7 p.m.
- Monday, December 16 - Red Land High School Concert, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 17 - Cedar Cliff High School Mosaic Concert, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 17 - Old Trail Intermediate School 6th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Red Land - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 18 - Fairview Intermediate School 6th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra Concert at Cedar Cliff - 7 p.m.
School Board News
Upcoming Meetings
SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION MEETING
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.
During the Reorganization Meeting, current Board members will elect Board President and Board VIce President.
All meetings are held at the Administration Center and are open to the public.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Facilities - Wednesday, December 4, 4:30 p.m.
Finance - Thursday, December 5, 4:30 p.m.
Transportation - Tuesday, December 10, 5:00 p.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12, 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
Planning Ahead for Winter Weather
With winter weather beginning to appear in the forecast, it is important families have a plan in place for the possibility of a switch to remote learning, a delay in the start time for classes, or the need to dismiss students early.
School Bus Driver Spotlight
Timothy Riley
A 16-year veteran of the West Shore School District, Timothy Riley drives bus to New Cumberland Middle School and Highland Elementary School. In routes that start his morning at 6:40 a.m. and ends at 4:40 p.m., Riley estimates he sees approximately 200 children off to school and home each day.
A retired military veteran who served 21 years in the Army across multiple states and continents, Riley said he most enjoys seeing the first students he drove to school now out in everyday life. "It's neat to see how they turned out and what they're doing."
Thank you to Timothy for his dedication to our students each and every day, and to all drivers who ensure they make it to and from school safely.
Cause for Applause
West Shore Marching Band & Color Guard Earn Second Place at Nationals
Congratulations to our West Shore Marching Band and Color Guard on their incredible season. Honors these students and their directors brought home included - second place at the USBands Pennsylvania State Championship with awards for Best Percussion; first place at the USBands Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship with awards for every superlative category in a clean sweep; and second place at the USBands National Championship.
Employees of the First Quarter Announced
Congratulations to our Employees of the First Quarter…Lindsay Gottwald, English Language Development Teacher at New Cumberland Middle School, and Sheri Patton, West Shore Restore Monitor, also at New Cumberland Middle School. Through their actions and dedication, Lindsay and Sheri have supported the District’s pledge to inspire, engage, and empower students. You may read more about their nominations here. Thank you both!
Outstanding Teachers Named by the Shippensburg University School Study Council
Two very deserving West Shore educators were named “Outstanding Teachers” by the Shippensburg University School Study Council. Please join us in congratulating Alyssa Tofani, Second Grade Teacher at Red Mill Elementary School, and Stephanie Crouse, Special Education Teacher at Crossroads Middle School. Alyssa and Stephanie received this honor for their service to our school community, dedication to our students, and commitment to ongoing professional development. Thank you both for all you do for our District.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Best Middle & Elementary Schools in the State
In November, the U.S. News & World Report released its 2025 Best Middle and Elementary Schools rankings for Pennsylvania and three West Shore schools were recognized for scoring in the top 40%.
Out of 2,387 middle schools, Allen Middle School ranked 234 (+20 from last year). Out of 3,216 elementary schools, Fairview Elementary ranked 127 (+266 from last year) and Red Mill Elementary ranked 456. Congratulations!
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.
- 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.