January 2025 e-News
High School Course Selection Night
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
Cedar Cliff and Red Land will each host a Course Selection Night on January 22. This evening is offered to assist students and their parents in the course selection process. More details will be sent to families of students in grades 8-11 by their respective high school
West Shore School District Earns Purple Star Designation
On December 11, 2024, the West Shore School District was presented with a Keystone Award of Excellence in recognition of being named a 2025 Purple Star School.
The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military, especially as military-connected children relocate to new schools due to a guardian's change in duty station. The designation lasts for a term of three years, which can then be renewed by completing the application process again.
The District is honored to receive this designation and #WestShoreProud to serve all of our students each and every day.
Justin Hopple
One of our newest regular drivers, Justin Hopple joined the West Shore School District transportation routes just three months ago! A 15-year resident of West Shore, Justin visits students at Cedar Cliff, Highland, Allen, the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center and a non-public partner every day. Easily seeing up to 300 students each day, especially when picking up an athletic competition route, Justin said he enjoys the connection he's establishing with his bus riders.
"His willingness and positiveness in the job help him stand out," Wendy Rupp, Director of Transportation, said.
Thank you to Justin for his efforts, and we hope to see you around for a very long time on our roads with our students! #WestShoreProud
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.
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Sodexo Future Chefs Competition!
In it's 15th anniversary year, the competition encourages participants to submit the recipe for their favorite main dish. One lucky winner will be chosen from each primary school to compete in a cook-off for the title West Shore's Future Chef!
Once you have your recipe decided, ingredients gathered, and preparation steps written, you are ready to enter! Click here for all the tasty details. Contest is open to all aspiring chefs in grades 1-6. Deadline is February 3, 2025.
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.