Happy August to my fellow West Shore families and staff!
The first day of school is August 30, and whether you are learning in person or through our ExCEL Virtual Learning Academy, we are excited to welcome you back!
As we countdown the days to the start of the 2021-2022 school year, there are several questions your family may be asking and, with that in mind, I hope you find the following information and links helpful.
2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan
On Thursday, July 15, 2021, our
school board approved a Health and Safety plan for the 2021-2022 school year. Our Plan, and additional parent resources, can be found on the website Parent Portal,
click here.
School Year Calendar & Events
As they are finalized, dates and times for open houses, back-to-school nights, and orientations 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 2021-2022 school calendar.
Click here to view.
School Day Schedule
All schools will be open for in-person instruction, five days a week, following a six-day cycle.
- 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.
Bus Schedules & Teacher Assignments
On Wednesday, August 11, bus, teacher, class, and schedule information for all students will be available on the PowerSchool website. Please note, bus pick up and drop off times are not available in the PowerSchool app. If you do not have a parent PowerSchool account, please
contact your child’s school as soon as possible.
PowerSchool will open on Wednesday, August 11, following a staggered schedule.
- High School – 10 a.m.
- Middle School – 1 p.m.
- Elementary School – 4 p.m.
Helpful PowerSchool Links
In addition to the PowerSchool access, on August 11, 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.
School Supply Lists
All necessary materials and supplies for learning in the elementary classroom will be provided by the District. We understand parents often want to supplement those materials, and if they choose to, are welcome to purchase additional items for their students (designer folders, pencil cases, etc.). 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 these supplies or others (backpacks, jackets, etc.), please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor.
District Issued Device Check
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. For families new to West Shore, your child will be receiving a device for their use this school year, more details to come.
Free Breakfast and Lunch
Again this school year, students will receive both breakfast and lunch free of charge. Menus for August and September will be posted on our website as soon as they are finalized.
Click here to visit the Menus website.
Please look for information from the Food Services Department regarding Free and Reduced Meal applications. While not required to receive meals at no charge, they are encouraged to help establish continued eligibility and may be used to qualify newly eligible children for P-EBT benefits.
Athletic Schedules
Fall PIAA sports begin on Monday, August 16. Athletics schedules for both Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools can be found online.
We're Hiring - Join Our Team
Our why is to provide students with inspiring and relevant experiences so they may live meaningful, purposeful, and impactful lives. If you would like to join our team and help us fulfill this pledge, we have a variety of immediate openings for teachers, building aides, secretaries, paraprofessionals, food service staff, custodial/maintenance team members, and coaches.
Click here to check our openings and apply.
First Day of School Video
One of our favorite West Shore traditions is our first day signs and video to commemorate the start of another school year. Last year’s video featured 724 photos and I would love to surpass that number this year.
Click here for details on how you can participate.
Thank you to all who are helping prepare our schools and students for the new school year. See you soon.