Good evening West Shore Families and Staff,
Following are just a few of the events we have planned for March — none of which require snow.
MARCH CELEBRATIONS
Youth Art MonthOne of our favorite traditions is our Youth Art Month Billboard Project! As in years past, we have partnered with Lamar Advertising and 18 business sponsors to display billboards showcasing student art throughout West Shore and our neighboring communities. Please
click here to see this year’s featured artists!
Women's History MonthIn addition to discussions which will naturally occur during social studies and history classes, we will be celebrating Women's History Month in March throughout the District in other ways as well. We encourage our school community to join us in the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in history. Please
click here to learn more.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School (CPAVTS) Application DeadlineFriday, March 12 The deadline for current eighth grade students interested in attending CPAVTS next school year is March 12. To apply online, please
click here.
Daylight Saving Time BeginsSunday, March 14
Into the WoodsThursday, March 18 through Sunday, March 21Cedar Cliff High School will present Into the Woods from March 18-21. Due to gathering size restrictions, the in person audience will be limited to family and friends of the cast and crew, and production rights do not allow for live streaming of the performance. Individuals interested in helping to "pack the house" and make it a meaningful show for students are invited to become a fourth wall fan. The deadline has been extended till March 5,
click here to learn more. To see photos of the production and learn about those involved, please visit
www.CedarCliffProductions.com.
Early DismissalThursday, March 18
Full-Time Distance Learning Kindergarten
10:30 a.m. - Morning Kindergarten Dismissal
10:45 a.m. - Afternoon Kindergarten Begins
12:45 p.m. - Afternoon Kindergarten Dismissal
In Person Kindergarten
10:45 a.m. - Morning Kindergarten Dismissal/Afternoon Kindergarten Arrival
12:45 p.m. - Afternoon Kindergarten Dismissal
Full-Time Distance Learning and In Person Learners in Grades 1-12
11:45 a.m. - Middle & High School Dismissal
12:45 p.m. - Elementary Dismissal
Lunch will be served following a modified schedule.
No School
Friday, March 19
Due to our use of Remote Learning Days, this day is not needed as a make-up day. Students will not have class.
First Day of Spring - Students May Wear Shorts at the Elementary Level
Saturday, March 20
Shorts of mid-thigh length or longer may be worn during the school year from March 20 through and including October 22, providing the weather is appropriate. Exceptions to these dates may be made due to unseasonable temperatures. Secondary students may wear shorts throughout the school year.
Bus Evacuation Drills
Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25
Elementary students and secondary students in Cohort A will have a bus evacuation drill on Wednesday. On Thursday, secondary students in Cohort B will have their drill.
Report Period EndsFriday, March 26Grades will be accessible in PowerSchool on April 15.
Click here for step-by-step directions on viewing grades online.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Following recommendations to limit group gatherings, board meetings are currently not open for public attendance. Public participation is still welcome and encouraged via email and through our live stream. Details can be found on our website,
click here. Please note, the second meeting this month is on a Tuesday.
School Board MeetingsThursday, March 11, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Board Policy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 5 p.m.
Related Links:
- Watch Meetings Online - meetings are streamed live and archived for viewing after the meeting
- On Board – online newsletter providing a summary of Board discussions, relevant links, and photos from Board meetings
- Board Agendas - published 24 hours before the meeting
- Board Minutes - posted after Board approval
UPCOMING EVENT
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Virtual Walk
Saturday, May 22
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is an annual fundraising walk that benefits local health and human service agencies. Again, this year, the West Shore Foundation is a beneficiary and will receive 100% of your support. If interested in joining us or making a donation, please click here for more details.
DID YOU KNOW?
Resolution Calling for Charter School Funding Reform Adopted
The District’s charter school expenditures since 2009-2010 reflect extraordinary costs that were borne by its taxpayers. At its meeting on February 18, 2021, the Board adopted a resolution calling for charter school funding reform. Click here for more information.
Meal Surveys
The Food Services Department is looking for feedback on our Grab-and-Go Bagged Meals and school lunch programs. If you are interested in participating in the survey, click the appropriate link(s) below.
2021-2022 School Calendar
The District has not yet approved a school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. In the next few days, we will be sending out information on how you can provide feedback prior to the adoption of next year's school calendar. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Virtual Learning Academy
Thank you to all who participated in our Virtual Learning Interest Survey. The District is moving forward with plans to offer a full-time remote learning option for families who wish to remain virtual next year. More details and enrollment information will be shared in the near future. Please note, this will be offered as an option for those finding success in Distance Learning, our plans at this time are to return to in person learning five days a week in August 2021.
As always, please be sure to check the
District's online calendar for building specific events and current cycle days.
Please take care and stay safe.
Sincerely,