West Shore Students First

06/22/2026

☀️ Today marks the summer solstice, the absolute longest day of the year! With the sun shining brighter and longer, it is the perfect time to think about how you want to spend those extra hours of daylight.☀️

For students in the West Shore School District, summer is more than just a well-deserved break from the classroom—it is a fantastic opportunity to step up, build your resume, and make a tangible impact right here in our community.

Here are a few great ways West Shore students can harness that solstice energy and get involved this summer:

Support Local Libraries: Both the New Cumberland Public Library and the Red Land Community Library often rely on volunteers to help run their summer reading programs. It is a great way to mentor younger readers and stay engaged with your community!

Help Fight Hunger: Organizations like New Hope Ministries (with locations right in our backyard like Lemoyne) are always looking for extra hands to organize food pantries, sort donations, and assist local families in need.

Spruce Up Our Local Parks: Grab some friends and organize a litter clean-up at local favorites like Negley Park, Roof Park, or even nearby Pinchot State Park. Keeping our local green spaces beautiful makes summer better for everyone.

Assist Local Animal Rescues: Reach out to nearby shelters or humane societies in Cumberland and York counties. Whether it is organizing a neighborhood pet food drive, making toys, or volunteering onsite, your time can make a huge difference for animals waiting for their forever homes.

Volunteer at Community Events: Summer is peak season for local fire company carnivals, farmers markets, and community fairs. These events are the heartbeat of the West Shore area and frequently need student volunteers to help set up, run booths, or assist with tear-down.

Make Every Hour Count!

You do not have to change the entire world this summer, but you can absolutely change someone's world right here in the West Shore community. Whether you are a Cedar Cliff C**t or a Red Land Patriot, use this longest day of the year to set a positive tone for the rest of your summer break!

06/19/2026

Today we recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas, marking a significant milestone in our nation's journey toward freedom.

At West Shore Students First, we believe education is about more than academics. It is also about helping students understand the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our country.

Juneteenth reminds us that history is not just something we study in textbooks. It is a story that continues to influence our communities, our schools, and our understanding of one another.

As families gather today, we encourage everyone to take a few moments to learn, reflect, and explore the stories of those whose perseverance and courage helped move our nation closer to its ideals.

Because when students understand history, they are better prepared to shape the future.

Happy Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

Tonight:

4:30 pm 🩹🛑 Health and Safety Committee
6:30 🎓📚 Board Meeting

Residents are welcome in person or online

West Shore School District | Board Meetings @ video.ibm.com: . Conference

06/15/2026

📚🎉 Juneteenth is this week!

As we approach Juneteenth this week, embrace the opportunities to learn, celebrate, and reflect on an important chapter in our nation's history. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day when the last enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Visit JuneteenthHBG, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, or the Crispus Attucks Association of York to learn more about events happening in our area.

Looking for a way to continue the conversation at home? Summer reading is a great place to start...
📖 Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan (elementary)
📖 Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine (elementary)
📖 Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
📖 One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
📖 March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
📖 Just Mercy (Young Readers Edition) by Bryan Stevenson

What are your family's favorite ways to keep learning during the summer?

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day, West Shore community!

Today, as we celebrate the Stars and Stripes, we want to put a special spotlight on the incredible students in the Army JROTC programs at Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools.

West Shore School District cadets do more than just wear the uniform—they embody the core JROTC mission to become better citizens every single day. Whether they are presenting the colors at community events, competing in intense drill and Raider competitions, or putting in hours of local service, these young leaders show us what true dedication looks like.

A special shoutout to the Cedar Cliff JROTC, which has proudly maintained the prestigious status of an "Honor Unit with Distinction" for nearly two decades, and the dedicated cadets from Red Land who consistently bring their absolute best to league drill competitions and community service projects.

When you see our JROTC Color Guard proudly carrying the American flag, you aren't just seeing a ceremony—you are seeing the future of our community. Their self-discipline, teamwork, and patriotism make us all incredibly proud.

Take a moment today to thank a JROTC cadet or instructor for their hard work and commitment! Drop a note in the comments! 🦅🎖️

06/11/2026

School might be out for summer 🌞🏖️ but the board meetings keep on coming!

Board Meeting tonight @ 6:30 🕡
Finance 💵 @ 4:30!

06/10/2026

Please consider attending to learn more and about this important issue.

The West Shore School District Board of School Directors will host a special Board meeting to discuss school safety and security options for the District.

The meeting will include an overview of School Security Guard and School Police Officer models, their respective roles, and considerations related to supporting safe and secure learning environments for students and staff. The discussion will also include participation from local municipal partners.

Community members are welcome to attend and learn more about this important topic.

📅 Date: July 9, 2026
🕒 Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Administration Center Board Room

Additional information about the meeting, including the agenda and supporting materials, will be shared through the District's normal communication channels as the meeting date approaches.

You may submit additional inquiries using the 'Contact Us' portal on the District website, or by visiting: https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/SchoolBoard.aspx

Contact Us: https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/ContactUs.aspx

06/09/2026

June is National Safety Month, and while physical safety is important, emotional safety matters just as much!

Research consistently shows that strong relationships and a sense of belonging are among the most powerful protective factors for children and teens.

This summer, make time for connection:
☀️ Share a meal together
☀️ Take a walk
☀️ Put away devices and talk
☀️ Ask open-ended questions about their interests and experiences

Small moments of connection can have a lasting impact on a child's well-being.

06/05/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools! 🎓

When you look back on the last four years, it is easy to celebrate the highlight reel—the passing grades, the Friday night games, and the final bell. But the most valuable things you are taking with you today were born in the tough moments. The failed tests, the heartbreaks, and the times you felt overwhelmed are exactly what built your resilience.

As you step into this next chapter, don't run from the difficult days. Embrace them. Hardship is the fastest teacher of empathy, and empathy is the true foundation of leadership and lasting success. The struggles you navigate now will give you the grace to understand others and the grit to achieve your biggest goals.

Be proud of the hurdles you've already cleared. The world doesn't just need your intelligence; it needs your strength, your resilience, and your heart.

Toss those caps high. You've earned this! 🎉