Windsor Charter Academy Early College High School
2024-25 Back-to-School information
We are excited to start preparing for the 2024-25 school year! To ensure a seamless start, parents are asked to review the following information carefully and ensure that each action step is completed prior to returning in August. This webpage serves as a single point of communication for everything our Firebird families need to begin the school year!
Important Dates
Please download our 2024-25 School Calendar for all official dates. Important dates to remember are:
July 24th: Firebird Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.—Firebird Facility Building, 810 Automation Drive
August 12th:
Back-to-School Open House from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Freddy Fundraiser to Support HS Jazz Band—Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Fall Sports Begin
August 14th: First Day of School for 9th Graders and New Windsor Charter Academy Students
8:15 to 8:30 a.m.: Student Check In
8:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Assembly - Parent/Guardian Attendance Required
August 15th: First Day of School for 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders
August 15th: MS/HS Fall Sports Meeting @ 5:30 p.m.--HS Gym
August 27th: Picture Day
August 28th: Junior & Senior Parent Meeting from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.--HS Gym
Summer Office Hours
The front office of our high school will be closed on May 23rd due to construction. On August 5th, the high school office staff will be available, but families will need to enter the middle school office doors. If you have enrollment questions, please email our registrar, Tammy Fagler, or call 970-833-5190 ext. 218. Our Registrar’s Office will be closed from June 25th through July 15th.
If you have course registration questions, our middle and high school counselors and early college academic advisor will return to the office on July 22nd. If you would like to set up a meeting with one of our counselors or advisor, please email:
Serena Seneca, High School Counselor
Josie Ringlein, Early College Advisor
Schedule Changes
Ms. Seneca and Mrs. Ringlein will be available on August 13th and 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to meet with students regarding schedule changes. Please note the grade levels below:
August 13th: 11th & 12th Graders
August 14th: 9th & 10th Graders
Back-to-School Open House
Our Back-to-School Open House is one of our favorite events of the year! It is a time for students to meet new teachers, rekindle old friendships, and prepare for a new school year. The High School Back-to-School Open House will be held on Monday, August 12th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parents/guardians can also stop by our informational booths to learn more about volunteer opportunities, committees, food services, Infinite Campus, complete their background check, and pay registration fees. We can’t wait to see you there!
Freshman & New Student Orientation
Our Freshman & New Student Orientation will be held during their first day of school on Wednesday, August 14th. Student check-in for orientation will begin at 8:15 a.m. We ask that all parents join us for our kick-off assembly from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Freshmen will have orientation activities all day from 8:15 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. New 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students will be asked to attend orientation from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will then be finished for the day.
Freshmen & New Student Orientation aims to allow students to acclimate to their new school and form relationships with students and staff. This event is an important part of every student's development and transition into the high school environment.
We will need student and parent volunteers to assist with some volunteer projects from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.
Junior & Senior Parent Meeting
We invite all our juniors, seniors, and parents to a meeting on Wednesday, August 28th, at 5:30 p.m. in the HS Gymnasium (in the Firebird Facility). This meeting is combined for junior and senior parents as there is essential information for both grades to hear together. During this meeting, we will share the senior year timeline, discuss SAT dates for juniors and seniors, and meet with our college counselors to learn about the college application process. We want to ensure families are equipped to meet all the deadlines as we work towards graduation together!
ParentSquare
We are excited to announce that we will be rolling out a new communication tool called ParentSquare! ParentSquare is a comprehensive tool for families to communicate with teachers and coaches, log volunteer hours, and sign up for events. To learn more about what to expect, click here. Families will receive an email invitation to register. We will begin using ParentSquare in August!
StudentSquare
Students also have the option of using StudentSquare. Middle and high school students can register for a StudentSquare account with their parent’s permission. Students who download the app can keep up with communication regarding school sports, clubs, etc. Click here to learn more!
High school students will receive an email invitation to register, but participation is optional. Middle school students will not receive an email invitation to join, but they can download the app with their parent’s permission. We will begin using StudentSquare in August!
Required for all parents: submit Parent Agreement Form
Each year, our parents are asked to complete a High School Parent Agreement Form for each student enrolled. To make the process convenient, everything is in one place. This agreement form gives permissions and acknowledgments for:
Acceptable Use of Technology
Dress Code
Student Data Privacy
Walking Field Trip Permission Form
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Code of Conduct
Once you have reviewed our Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, please complete the High School Parent Agreement Form.
Parents are asked to complete one form for each student enrolled before the start of the school year. Students must have a signature form on file by the last day of August to avoid having their Google account access revoked.
Required for all Parents: Set Up or Update Infinite Campus Account
Infinite Campus, commonly called IC, is a student information management system used by Weld RE-4 School District and Windsor Charter Academy. All families have an IC account, which includes one for each parent and one for each student. Windsor Charter Academy uses IC to assess student fees, post grades, track attendance, send report cards, and verify emergency contacts for pick-up. It is imperative that parents access their IC accounts often and also keep their contact and emergency contact information up-to-date. If you have questions regarding your IC account, please contact Tammy Fagler or Paula Ridout.
Infinite Campus Links: Please bookmark the links below.
New WCA Families: New WCA families will receive information on creating an IC account at our back-to-school events. At these events, new families will be issued an activation key. Once an activation key is issued, please visit our website for information on how to set up your account.
Returning WCA Families: All returning families are asked to verify their contact information is current in IC. Instructions on how to update this information can be found on our website.
required for all families: Review Policies & Procedures
Start and End-Times for MS/HS Students:
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
End Time: 3:21 p.m.
Parking Permits: All student drivers are required to complete a Parking Permit Registration Form. Once the registration form is approved, the student will be issued a parking permit.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures: Our drop-off and pick-up procedures will be updated with the addition of the Firebird Facility. Review our new map, which is coming in a few weeks!
Background Checks: Guests must pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check to enter our buildings during school hours. To complete this process, please click here. All new parents and parents who need to update their CBI checks should bring a current photo ID to complete a background check.
MS/HS Backpack Policy: As stated in the Windsor Charter Academy Parent & Student Handbook, students can bring backpacks, string bags, purses, and lunch boxes to school. These bags must be placed in student lockers at the start of the school day. Bags will not be allowed in the classroom for student and staff safety.
MS/HS Cell Phone Policy: All student cell phones and smart watches must remain on silent and not visible throughout the school day unless requested by a teacher for a specific activity. If students choose to carry their cell phones, they must be in their pockets. Additionally, if a cell phone distracts student learning or normal school operations, staff may use discretion to implement consequences as outlined in our handbook.
Dress Code: Review the High School Dress Code
Health Services: If your child has had a change of health status since the last school year, please contact Sara Ibarra, School Nurse.
Student Attendance: Student attendance policies will be strictly enforced. Please review our attendance and tardy policies here: Executive Board Policy JE: Student Attendance.
FARM-TO-SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Windsor Charter Academy students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-25 school year!
Linq Connect School Lunch Accounts
Windsor Charter Academy uses the Linq Connect software program for student meals. Students are asked to have active accounts on Linq Connect. Although breakfast and lunch are free to all students, keeping funds in their lunch account is recommended for purchasing an extra entree, milk, cookies, and other a la carte items. If a student does not have a Linq Connect account, they will need to pay for these items with cash.
To Create an Account:
New WCA Families: If your student is in kindergarten or new to WCA, they will not be listed in the Linq Connect software system until a few days before school begins. Once they are listed in the system, families can create an account.
Click here for instructions on setting up your family portal. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district.
Please note that students will receive a free breakfast and lunch regardless of whether they create an account. In addition, families can access the menu without an account.
Returning WCA Families: Your Linq Connect account funds will automatically transfer from the previous school year.
Free or Reduced-Price School Benefits
Although meals are free, it is essential for families who qualify to still apply for the Free or Reduced-Price Program to access additional benefits. Eligible families can apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Benefit Application. Once on the site, click “Start Meal Application” and follow the registration prompts. Please enter “Windsor Charter Academy” as the school district on the application.
Once your application is approved and the letter is received, please submit a copy to Lauren Miller, Business Manager.
Please note that if your family has been approved for this program in the past, you are required to reapply every year. Paper applications and instructions are also available at the front desk of each of our schools. For questions, please contact Jeannine Davison, Director of Food Services.
Food Allergies
Students who need their school meals modified to accommodate food allergies or preferences are required to submit a Meal Modification Form signed by their medical provider. The Food Services Department will only modify meals if this form is completed.
School Supplies & College Textbooks
The 2024-25 Student Supply List is available! If your students are enrolled in concurrent courses, they may be required to purchase their textbooks. Instructors will provide more information on these textbooks and where to purchase them during the first week of class.
This year, we also have a school-wide Health & Wellness Amazon Wish List to help provide our students with necessary health and wellness products. If you purchase from this list, all items can be shipped to the school by entering our address (Windsor Charter Academy, C/O Central Administration, 810 Automation Drive, Windsor, CO, 80550). For questions, please reach out to Sara Sanders, Director of Communications.
School Fees
School fees for Windsor Charter Academy students are due at the start of the school year. The 2024-25 Student Fees were approved by the Executive Board. Fees can be paid online through Infinite Campus or by dropping off cash or a check at the office. New WCA families can pay their fees at our back-to-school events. Fees may be waived/reduced for those families that qualify for our Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Program. For more information on how to apply to this program, please click here.
Students will pay approximately $25 per academic semester for Aims Community College administrative fees, which are paid directly to Aims Community College. Other specific course fees may apply and are the student's responsibility. These additional fees typically range from $0 to $200, but students should check before enrolling in these courses.
Students who participate in specific electives or clubs will be required to submit additional fees. Once students receive their class schedules, parents can see which electives their students are registered for and the associated elective fees. Fees will be applied to Infinite Campus accounts approximately two weeks after the start of school when schedule changes are completed and all schedules are finalized. Any outstanding fees must be paid before students can register for a new fee-based elective or club.
Navy / Green Day Schedule
Our high school has a rotating block schedule. This year, navy and green days will rotate on a daily basis. The new schedule can be downloaded here.
School Bell Schedule
We will continue incorporating an extended learning opportunity (ELO) for all students on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ninth through eleventh-grade students will be assigned a homeroom but will have opportunities to travel to other teachers for additional support.
Athletics
We are excited for our Firebirds to participate in high school athletics! This year, our season dates are outlined as follows:
To register, please complete the Athletics Registration Form. More information can be found on our athletics webpage. For questions, please reach out to Jaime Boyle, Athletic Secretary.
Gate Fees: This year, we will charge gate fees for all high school athletic events. Passes will be sold during our back-to-school events.
Order spirit wear
WCA spirit wear can be ordered online from K&W Printing. The K&W Printing online store will open on July 1st and close on July 28th. Orders placed in July will be delivered to the high school in time for Back-to-School Night.
K&W Printing will open the school store during the first two weeks of every month during the school year. Ordered items will be delivered to the school during the first week of the following month.
In addition, Firebird Fan Apparel can also be purchased from our BSN Sideline Store. Purchases made through this site are shipped directly to your home.
Please note that all spirit wear worn during the school day needs to comply with our Dress Code Policy. For instance, sweatpants or hats may be sold in our spirit stores but may not be allowed to be worn during the school day.
Email lists & Facebook groups
All families are automatically subscribed to our email list during enrollment. Relatives can also subscribe to receive newsletters by joining here. If you would like to confirm that you are on our email list, please contact Sara Sanders, Director of Communications, with your name, email address, and the school you would like to be associated with.
Parents and legal guardians can join our private, grade-level WCA Facebook Pages. To request admission to our private Facebook groups, please complete the three-question membership form.
Service & Volunteer Commitments
Community service is an integral part of the culture of WCA, and all high school students are required to complete 25 volunteer hours each school year. Students record their hours on the Community Service Form, also available at the front offices. Forms are due on May 1st. Service hours can be accrued between May 1st of the current year and April 30th of the following year.
Parent Volunteer Hours
WCA has a strong culture of service in our schools. Every family is expected to volunteer 35 hours per school year. All hours should be logged in your ParentSquare account.
A few important points about volunteering:
A 35-hour commitment is required per family, not per student. Grandparents or other relatives can help fulfill a family’s service commitment.
If you plan to run for WCA’s Executive Board in the spring, hours need to be tracked individually. Service hours must be fulfilled by the candidates and not other family members. All volunteer hours will be verified.
Donating to the school can count towards your family’s volunteer commitment. Every $10 counts towards one volunteer hour. In other words, a one-time $350 donation would cover your volunteer hours for the year.
BOARD & SUPPORT COMMITTEES
Board Committees
Board Committees support Executive Board members in their work in governance and oversight. Each committee has one Executive Board member liaison and a committee member who serves as the chairperson.
Safety Committee: The Safety Committee’s purpose encompasses a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, physical safety, environmental safety, internet safety, and emotional safety. The committee focuses on diligent exploration and research to develop appropriate options and safeguards to increase our schools' safety.
Safety Committee Meeting Dates:
August 26, 2024
December 9, 2024
April 14, 2025
Education Committee: The Education Committee serves to strengthen the school's overall educational program. This committee assists the administrator and teachers in providing students with the highest quality educational program possible by 1) researching new and existing curricular and instructional approaches, 2) evaluating and synthesizing information, and 3) sensing parent and school/community needs.
Education Committee Meeting Dates:
October 24, 2024
November 7, 2024
December 5, 2024
School Accountability Committee (SAC)
If you are interested in serving on the WCA School Accountability Committee, please email Dr. Rebecca Teeples, Executive Director of Schools.
Finance Committee
If you are interested in serving on the WCA Finance Committee, please email SarahGennie Colazio, Director of Finance & HR. Members of this committee need to have a background in finance. This committee is by invitation only.
Election Committee
The WCA Election Committee oversees the annual Executive Board Elections. If you are interested in serving on the WCA Election Committee, please email the WCA Election Committee.
Support Committees
Support Committees support the day-to-day work of staff at Windsor Charter Academy. A staff member in a leadership role leads each committee. Parents and stakeholders, as members, work with staff to support the work of the committee.
Parent-Teacher Club (PTC): Our PTCs support our students with memorable activities throughout the year, such as Sweets with Santa, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, After-Prom, Field Day, and other events. If you are interested in joining the PTC at each of our schools, please fill out the Committee Sign-Up Form or visit the PTC webpage.
High School Athletics Booster Club: The High School Athletics Booster Club supports our athletics program. If you are interested in joining the Booster Club, please fill out the Committee Sign-Up Form or visit the Booster Club webpage.
If you are interested in serving on any of the above committees, please sign up below.
Transportation
Parents interested in joining our Way-to-Go Schoolpool carpool program can register online! Join Windsor Charter Academy’s Schoolpool program to connect with other families to drive, walk, or bike to school together. This is a free service, and there is no obligation to participate. Schoolpool is a service of Way to Go, a federally funded program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).